QENDO Calls for Urgent Action to Lower Prescription Medicine Costs for Australians Living with Chronic Conditions
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
13 March 2025
QENDO Calls for Urgent Action to Lower Prescription Medicine Costs for Australians Living with Chronic Conditions
QENDO, alongside leading health and community organisations, is calling for bipartisan support to reduce the maximum out-of-pocket cost of prescription medicine to $19. This change would provide much-needed financial relief to over 12 million Australians, particularly those living with chronic conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic pain.
Independent research shows that 1 in 5 Australians have delayed or skipped filling a prescription due to cost in the past three years. This rises to 1 in 3 for those in regional and remote areas, with women, chronic illness patients, First Nations people, and carers disproportionately affected.
“For too many Australians living with endometriosis, high prescription costs are an ongoing burden,” said Jess Taylor, CEO of QENDO. “No one should have to choose between affording essential medications and covering daily necessities. We hear from people in our community who are forced to delay or go without treatment because of financial barriers, worsening their pain and health outcomes.”
Lowering the PBS co-payment to $19 is a non-inflationary, immediate step the government can take to ease the cost-of-living crisis while improving public health and reducing pressure on the healthcare system. The measure would save Australians $440 million in the first year and ensure that individuals managing chronic conditions can access the medicines they need without financial hardship.
“Managing endometriosis is already challenging due to long diagnosis delays, limited treatment options, and inconsistent healthcare access. The additional financial strain of high medication costs only worsens this burden,” Taylor continued. “We urge the government to act now and make healthcare more accessible for those who need it most.”
QENDO stands in solidarity with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Australian Patients Association, Asthma Australia, Family Planning Alliance Australia, Australian Association for Adolescent Health, Wounds Australia, Parents & Citizens Queensland, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, and Advanced Pharmacy Australia in calling for urgent policy change to support Australians' health and wellbeing.
Media Contact:
Jess Taylor, CEO QENDO