We calculate the PBS Safety Net in a calendar year. It usually resets at the beginning of each year, 1 January.
In 2022 the PBS Safety Net thresholds were updated on 1 January and 1 July. From 1 July the thresholds have been lowered to:
- $244.80 for concession card holders
- $1,457.10 for general patients.
You only need to meet the threshold once in a calendar year. If you already met the threshold in the first half of the year, your medicines will still be discounted. You can’t get a refund for the difference between the previous threshold and the new threshold.
Before you meet the threshold, each medicine will cost up to:
- $6.80 for concession card holders
- $42.50 for general patients.
Once you reach the threshold, you’ll need to apply for a PBS Safety Net card to get cheaper medicines.
Your medicine will then either:
- be free for concession card holders
- cost up to $6.80 for general patients.
When there are 2 or more brands of the same medicine, they may have different prices. If you choose a more expensive brand it may cost you more.