The Federal Government has today announced that medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will cost no more than $25 from 1 January 2026.  

In a pre-election commitment that has been matched by the Federal Opposition, the maximum cost of a PBS prescription will drop from $31.60 to $25. 

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain welcomed the announcement saying people taking diabetes medicines listed on the PBS will benefit from this cost of living relief.  

“A person’s bank balance or postcode should not be a barrier to good health. We must ensure medicines are affordable for people who need them. 

“Last year Diabetes Australia undertook a cost of living survey which showed that for 61% of people, the cost of diabetes medicines and technologies was their greatest challenge.  

“Lowering the cost of PBS medicines will help our community with the considerable strain of living with a chronic condition,” Ms Cain said.  

Diabetes medicines included in the price change include Metformin, Semaglutide, Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, and Empagliflozin with metformin. 

The Federal Government said the investment will cost $689 million over four years and the changes would come into effect on 1 January 2026 in line with regular indexation.