PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) is a national program in Australia that provides subsidised access to a range of prescription medications, including medications for autism. The cost of medications under the PBS is subsidised, meaning that you pay a reduced cost for the medication compared to the full cost of the medication. The scheme is funded by the Australian Government and is administered by the Department of Health. The amount you pay for medications under the PBS is determined by the government and is subject to change each year. However, PBS does not provide support plans for individuals with autism.
It’s important to note that while the PBS provides subsidised access to medications, it does not cover all healthcare costs, and there may be out-of-pocket expenses associated with your healthcare. For this reason, it’s important to discuss your healthcare needs with your healthcare provider and consider other programs and services that may be available to support you, such as the NDIS.
How do I access PBS for Autism?
After an autism diagnosis, if your healthcare provider recommends medication as part of your treatment plan, you may be eligible for PBS subsidised medications. To access PBS subsidised medications for autism, you will need to:
1. Obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider: Your healthcare provider will need to provide you with a prescription for the medication.
2. Check if the medication is listed on the PBS Schedule: You can check if the medication is listed on the PBS Schedule by visiting the PBS website or by speaking with your pharmacist.
3. Apply for a Medicare Card: To access PBS subsidised medications, you will need a Medicare card. If you don’t already have a Medicare card, you can apply for one through the Department of Human Services.
4. Present your Medicare card and prescription to the pharmacist: Once you have a Medicare card and a prescription for the medication, you can take it to a pharmacist who participates in the PBS. The pharmacist will provide you with the medication at the subsidised cost.
It’s important to note that not all medications for autism are listed on the PBS Schedule, and even if they are listed, there may be restrictions or criteria that need to be met before the medication can be subsidised. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide more information about the specific medication and any eligibility criteria.
How I get more information on PBS Australia?
To learn more about the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) autism scheme in Perth, you can visit the PBS website or speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can provide you with information about the medications that are subsidised under the scheme and any eligibility criteria that need to be met.
You can also contact the Department of Human Services for more information on the PBS and how it works. The Department of Human Services is responsible for administering the PBS and can provide information on how to access subsidised medications, how to apply for a Medicare card, and any other questions you may have about the scheme.
Additionally, there are various advocacy organisations and groups for autism support in Perth that may be able to provide more information on accessing services and support for autism. These organisations can provide advice and support on navigating the healthcare system and accessing the resources you need. Some examples of these organisations include the Autism Association of Western Australia, Autism West, and Australian Disability Support Services (ADSS).
