Women’s health funding has been given a much-needed spotlight in the lead-up to our next federal election, with the Albanese government pledging half a billion dollars in reform. Here’s what this could mean for Australian women. 

It’s not often that women feel their voices and concerns – especially regarding issues that seemingly only apply to them – are listened to. 

This week, however, more accessible and affordable women’s healthcare is the topic on everyone’s lips, thanks to the Albanese government’s newly proposed spending plan to reform women’s health. 

The proposed changes, totalling $573 million, hope to make a range of women’s health services more affordable and accessible, from long-term contraceptives to treatments and support for women going through menopause.

While the timing of this pledge does paint it as an election tactic designed to rein in more votes from the female demographic, with the coalition quick to confirm it would match the funding announcement if it won government, women across the country are looking forward to reaping the benefits of this win-win situation – regardless of political affiliation. 

According to the Body+Soul Health of a Nation survey, the rising cost of living is causing women’s health issues to be underserviced and under-addressed across the board, with 41 per cent of Aussies cutting off private health insurance entirely (up 19 per cent from last year). As the pressure to afford health care continues to increase, 34 per cent of women report missing a health screening compared to 27 per cent of men. 

The multifaceted reform plan promises to be rolled out over five years alongside extensive consultation with women, healthcare providers, advocacy groups and findings of two separate Senate inquiries. While some measures are expected to be implemented immediately, such as the PBS listing of new contraceptive pills, most will come into effect over the next few years should the Labor government achieve reelection. 

"It's about time Australian women had more choice, lower costs and better health care," Health Minister Mark Butler says. "Today's announcement is a tribute to all the Australian women who have worked so hard, for so long, to have their voices heard and acknowledged."

Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston, however, maintains the proposed reform builds on the previous work of the 10-year women's health strategy established under the Coalition.

"Whether it is helping women who live with chronic health conditions like endometriosis, supporting women with menopause, or helping families on their fertility journey, we are committed to getting the policy settings right," Senator Ruston says in a statement.

Medicare rebates for long-term contraceptives 

One of the pledged reforms in women’s healthcare is a reevaluation of Medicare rebates, specifically regarding long-term contraceptives. While the insertion and removal of long-term contraceptives such as IUDs and birth control implants are relatively simple procedures, GPs and healthcare providers have long been campaigning for greater medicare rebates in this area given the expensive cost of the procedures. 

The proposed cost reform would hopefully increase the accessibility of these procedures in Australia, where our uptake level of long-term contraceptives is relatively low compared to many similar countries.

Long-acting reversible contraceptives are considered to be some of the most effective forms of birth control and can last for up to 12 years depending on the device. Devices such as IUDs and birth control implants can also help manage conditions like painful periods and endometriosis.

Currently, the Medicare rebate for the insertion of an IUD is roughly $91 but would be lifted to more than $215 under the Labor Party’s proposal. The rebate for removing an IUD would also go from $61 to $134.

New contraceptive pills to be listed on the PBS

One reform set to come into effect March 1 of this year, is the addition of two new oral contraceptive pills into the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Under the PBS, the government subsidises the cost of medicine for a range of medical conditions, allowing Australians with a Medicare card to access certain medications for a much lower price. For the first time in 30 years, two new oral contraceptive pills – Yaz and Yasmin – will be available through PBS and will be listed before the election, offering women greater choice and accessibility. 

Improving UTI services

Of the $573 million proposed finding towards women’s health, $100 million is set to go towards two new trials aimed at improving access to treatments for urinary tract infections.

In an effort to make UTI treatment more accessible and affordable, especially for those who suffer from recurring symptoms, the new trials will allow Australians with a concession card to be able to receive a consultation from a pharmacist about a UTI at no cost, and only pay for any medication that is required.

New funding for menopause treatment

In addition to several contraceptive-focused reforms, the pledged government spending also addresses some of the major health concerns and accessibility issues impacting women going through menopause. 

Under the proposed changes, the government would introduce a new Medicare rebate for "menopause health assessments", with additional funding being provided for new training for health professionals in the area. The government has also pledged to expand the network of endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics providing services around the country from 22 to 33 clinics. This expansion would also enable the existing and new clinics to provide support for menopause.  

As for menopause-specific treatments and services, the government’s pledged reforms include three menopausal hormone treatments to be added to the PBS. from March 1, including Prometrium, Estrogel and Estrogel Pro.