Some prescriptions are not subsidised by the government, leaving the patient to fully pay for the item . In some cases a patient can save more money by electing not to have their prescription dispensed as a NHS prescription but as a private prescription. Although PRF stickers cannot be issued, many patients would not reach the safety net threshold anyway making them irrelevant. As many private prescriptions can be claimed back through Private Health Funds, relevant receipts will be provided. The PBS is a system of subsidising the cost of most prescription medicines.
Patients pay the difference for higher-priced brands, on top of their usual patient contribution.
A therapeutic group premium - Commonwealth reimbursement to pharmacists is based on the lowest priced benefit items within identified therapeutic groups. Patients pay the difference for higher priced items. To view the various Pharmaceutical Benefits Entitlement Cards click here . If you and your family require large amounts of PBS prescriptions in any one-year, a Safety Net threshold exists to protect you financially. Once this threshold is reached you can apply for a Safety Net card enabling you to receive PBS prescriptions at a concessional rate.