The patient contribution rates may be adjusted on 1 January each year in line with inflation. A special patient contribution is payable for a pharmaceutical benefit when there is a disagreement between the manufacturer and the Commonwealth over the dispensed price for that benefit item. This extra charge is paid by all patients, together with their usual patient contribution. For RPBS special patient contribution arrangements see the RPBS Explanatory Notes. Under the brand premium arrangements, Commonwealth reimbursement to pharmacists is based on the lowest-priced brand.
Patients pay the difference for higher-priced brands, on top of their usual patient contribution.
Under the therapeutic group premium arrangements, Commonwealth reimbursement to pharmacists is based on the lowest priced benefit items within identified therapeutic groups. Patients pay the difference for higher priced items. Exemptions on medical grounds are available. The Schedule's special patient contributions, brand premiums and therapeutic group premiums apply to maximum quantities. Top of Page Solvents Where a solvent is prescribed as part of a pharmaceutical benefit, only one patient contribution is charged.