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Low cost medicines

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We help you to access affordable medications for managing diabetes. We offer guidance on navigating the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). We also talk about tips for finding cost-effective medication options. You will read advice on talking to your healthcare provider about managing medication expenses. This resource helps to maintain your health while minimising financial impact.

Tips to reduce medication costs

  1. Register with the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) to get cheaper diabetes supplies and information. For more information contact the NDSS on 1800 637 700, by email or visit the NDSS website.
  2. Become a member of Diabetes Victoria.  By becoming a member of Diabetes Victoria, you will have access to a range of benefits to help you understand and live well with diabetes.  All you need to do is choose your membership type and fill out the online form below. Alternatively, please contact us on 1300 437 386 or email us at: membership@diabetesvic.org.au. Join now.

  3. Phone the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Infoline on 1800 020 613.
    Visit the Services Australia Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) webpage

  4. Visit the Medicare webpage on chronic medical condition assistance for further help.
  5. Consider buying generic medicines that cost less. Talk with your local chemist or pharmacist about generic medicines that cost less. Ask if they offer a cheaper price if you buy in bulk, for example if you buy a 3 month supply of your medicine.
  6. Compare prices at a few different chemists or pharmacies. Sometimes medicines that are on non-Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) scripts can be cheaper.
  7. Ask your doctor about a Home Medicines Review (HMR). This is when an accredited pharmacist checks the medicines you are taking at home. They can help if you:
    • Are taking five or more medicines
    • Are taking more than 12 doses of medicine a day
    • Have had major changes in your medicines over the last three months, including just coming out of hospital
    • Need to see a health professional regularly to check that the medicines you are taking are working
    • Have had a bad reaction to a medicine
    • Need help to manage your medicines because of your health, for example if you are not able to see well
    • Need help to read or understand English. The Home Medicines Review Service can also help if you need help to read or understand English.
    • See many health professionals to manage your health conditions
  8. Call the NPS Medicines Line on 1300 633 424 (1300 MEDICINE). The information line can give you information on your prescription, over-the-counter and complementary (herbal, ‘natural’, vitamin and mineral) medicines.
    This service is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm for the cost of a local call. Calls from mobiles may cost more.

  9. Subscribe to Medicine Talk, a free newsletter that talks about natural approaches to keeping well. To join visit their website.
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