The cost of oral contraceptives is set to decrease significantly for many women in Australia, as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) now includes the pills Yasmin and Yaz. Effective from Saturday, this new listing will reduce the price of these commonly prescribed contraceptives by over 50%.
This marks the first addition of an oral contraceptive to the PBS in three decades, coinciding with the Albanese government’s recent commitment of over $500 million towards women’s health initiatives. Yasmin and Yaz are particularly beneficial for women dealing with acne, fluid retention, or weight gain, as they contain drospirenone, a unique form of progesterone. This component, combined with ethinylestradiol (oestrogen), not only serves as a contraceptive but also helps alleviate acne.
Traditionally, a three-month supply of these pills costs around $79. However, starting March 1, women will only need to pay $31.60 for the same duration, resulting in annual savings of approximately $190. For those holding concession cards, the cost will plummet even further to just $7.70 for a three-month supply, equating to about $30.80 annually.
Dr Talat Uppal, a gynaecologist and Director of Women’s Health Road in Sydney, highlighted that this new PBS listing is a crucial advancement in making reproductive health options more accessible to women. She expressed that increased affordability leads to greater choice, empowering women to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health without cost being a hurdle.
In summary, the inclusion of Yasmin and Yaz in the PBS represents a significant improvement in women’s health equity, providing more affordable and suitable contraceptive options for women across Australia.