What percentage does PBS coverage aim to provide for medicines?

• A. About 10%
• B. About 60%
• C. About 80%
• D. About 40%

Answer: (D)

The Medicines Subsidy from PBS is about making medications affordable by sharing the cost between the government and the patient. It does not cover the full price; the subsidy portion is around 40% of the typical medicine price, with the patient paying the remaining share as a co-payment. This structure helps keep essential medicines accessible while balancing government funding and patient out-of-pocket costs. The exact amount you pay can vary depending on the medicine and whether you have concessional status, but the aim of PBS coverage is to provide a meaningful subsidy rather than full price coverage.