PBS Safety Net for concession card holders
Concession card holders get PBS medicines free for the rest of the year after spending $277.20 on them.
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What you need to check
PBS means the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. It is the government scheme that makes many medicines cheaper. With a concession card, each PBS medicine costs up to $7.70. Once you or your family spend $277.20 in a calendar year, PBS medicines are free for the rest of that year. Other people pay up to $25 each, and reach the safety net at $1,748.20. You must ask for a PBS Safety Net card when you reach the threshold.
This is a short summary. Other rules may apply, like income or where you live. Check the full rules with the agency that runs it.
Read in Easy English
What it is
- This can make your medicines free for the rest of the year.
- It is for medicines on the PBS list.
- The PBS is a plan that makes medicines cheaper.
- With a card, each one costs up to $7.70.
- Once your family spends $277.20 in a year, the rest are free.
Who can get it
- You need a concession card.
- This can be a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Card.
- It can also be a Seniors Health Card or a Veteran Gold Card.
What to do
- When you reach $277.20, ask for a Safety Net card.
- Read the rules on the official website.
- Apply there. It is free to apply.
About this source
We last reviewed this listing on 5 Nov 2026. We last checked the official page on 5 Nov 2026.
Our automatic check only sees whether the page is there or has changed. It is not a check of the rules.