A $1 discount on prescription medicines is under threat

Australians are likely to pay more for prescription medicines no matter who wins the election on Saturday, thanks to a powerful industry lobby group.

Australians are likely to pay more for prescription medicines no matter who wins the election on Saturday, thanks to a powerful industry lobby group.

Patients can currently benefit from a $1 discount on prescription medicines but both major parties have told the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in writing they are prepared to reconsider this measure.

But neither major party has committed to changes recommended by the government’s independent medicines advisory body, which would save patients up to $240 a year on medicine costs.

The hip pocket assault on ordinary Australians comes at the behest of one of the country’s most powerful lobby groups, which has donated nearly $1 million to political parties.

The guild asks party leaders to sign a letter before each election committing to key demands made by Australia’s 3,000 pharmacy owners.

The Liberal and Labor Party have signed letters, which reveal both major parties will commit to reconsidering an optional $1 discount chemists can offer on prescription medicine costs.

Both parties would reconsider providing the $1 discount on prescriptions.

In their letter, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Health Minister Greg Hunt say the next five year agreement will include “careful consideration of the ongoing operation of the optional $1 discount and its role in improving affordability for consumers, particularly in rural and regional areas”.

In their letter, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and the party’s Health spokeswoman Catherine King said:

Originally published as A $1 discount on prescription medicines is under threat