While on Wednesday the 21st of March, it was announced that PrEP would be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as of the 1st of April, 2018, the price is still potentially a barrier for many people.
At the same time, there have been two large price drops in the personal importation of PrEP. The main difference between PBS-pharmacy dispensing is that a person may get it the same or next day (depending on the pharmacy) – although on average at a more expensive cost – while personal importation is cheaper but takes a week or two to be delivered to your door. Both require a valid script from a general practitioner or other doctor.
In the last week Dynamix International have reduced the cost of PrEP to $27.71/month, and then as of yesterday Green Cross Pharmacy have reduced it even further to $24.68/month. Over 3 months, this amounts to $74.05, compared to the PBS (Non-concession) co-payment of $118.50 over 3 months, resulting in saving $44.45 every 3 months with personal importation.
Additionally, people with a low-income (concession card, student ID, or other circumstances) can apply for free PrEP with Green Cross Pharmacy after getting their script. For others with concession, they may purchase PrEP on the PBS as of the 1st of April, 2018 for $6.40/month.
For information on where to get PrEP prescribed – check out the M Clinic website.
