End the Tough Choices Tough Choices

“Being pensioners with high rent, bills etc, we have to omit taking out medicines sometimes! I would like to hear from the lady with high medical bills especially with children, hope you can pass my e-mail to her, would like to help some to her! No child can go without medicine! How about we start something among us to help out families with children even if every 3rd months lot of medicines each! Could that be organised by some one at the helm of this organization, we'd gladly contribute as God always makes a way for us, even if not the way we think! Rozalia, Vic.”

ROZALIA - VIC, Australia

“I have multiple medcal conditions and disabilities and spend over 46% of my Disability Support Pension on healthcare (excluding specialists appointments, mobility aids and diagnostic tests). I have recently been denied NDIS support as I am not 'impaired functionally' enough for their services. I have been managing the last few years thanks to a total and permanent disability insurance payout, but that money is quickly running out. I am 46 and it's supposed to last the rest of my life. I now have to choose what I cut from my life. Do I stop the medication that allows me to get out of bed without passing out, but isn't covered by the pbs and costs hundreds a month? Do I cut the weekly physiotherapy sessions that prevent my body from dislocating multiple times a day (this happens even if I miss 1 or 2 sessions due to holidays or illness) and risk seriously injuring myself again like I have done in the past? Or do I cut the psychologist appointments that help me cope with everything and keep me from having a mental breakdown? I can't cut social outings as I don't do those, I can't cut hobbies, as I now only make things/art that are sustainable and cost nothing, I can't cut my clothing budget as I make my own clothes, so it's non-existent, and I can't cut my food budget as I already don't get enough calories due to allergies, food intolerances and fatigue. I have only lasted as long as I have as I have been extremely good at budgeting, have strong financial skills and never spent much my whole life, except paying off my home loan when I was working my 20 years in the education sector. I know I am better off than others who didn't have those opportunities, as I now own my own unit. But soon it will be the only thing I have left.”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“If the time has come to make decisions not to buy my medicines to pay for my child's. In the case of paying for school or the telephone, I consider them to be very important. If I stop saying that I am hassemic and suffer from a cerebrovascular attack, I try to make the money last but the costs keep going up and it is not enough, I feel helpless. Stressed, I hope that one day they change.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I am on 5 different medications to manage my mental health, and they are on a staged supply. Fortunately, my medications are covered by CTG but if they weren't I wouldn't be able to afford to take them. If it wasn't covered, the cost would be around $30 a month on PBS or around $60 full price. However, before my most expensive med was covered I had to ask lifeline to help pay for it, which they did but it was a once off. I am incredibly fortunate to be eligible for CTG, because the simple fact of the matter is without it I would likely be dead by now. ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“I have not been able to get all my scripts for months now. It's a matter of surviving on a DSP, I have gone from 10 and only getting 3 every month now. I'm currently homeless living in my car around the streets. I have long term chronic pain medication, and numerous other conditions including mental health. ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I have several chronic physical and mental health conditions that are all well controlled by medication. This control allows me to work a fulfilling job in healthcare in which I contribute positively to society. The rising cost of groceries, rent, and utilities has now led me to take a smaller dose than recommended, and stretch out the time between prescriptions - which leads to flare ups that reduce my capacity to work. Consequentially, I bring in less income and can afford even less. No one chooses to be on long-term or lifelong medication, but it is essential so that many of us are productive members of society. The cycle of unaffordable medications and reduced work capacity needs to end. ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I have a debilitating pain condition that also causes insomnia. Due to the cost and unnecessary regulation I often have to go without medication for days on end. I’m on a pension and I can’t cut my other costs or my child’s costs so I go without my medication. It causes so much pain, makes it impossible to take care of myself and impacts my relationship with my child and her quality of life. If this medication was cheaper or on the pbs my life would change.”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“I take a numerous amount of medicines for my health issues and these add up substantially, some weeks I have to go without the medication that makes me have a better quality of life, but it’s just unfortunate that with the costs involved I have to go without which can be really rough on my mental and physical well being.”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“The way the government runs the country is showing greed ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“One of my medications is not on the PBS, this makes it extremely difficult to fill that prescription. I have a number of other medications, so tend to fill them first as they are on the PBS. The 2 for 1 helps, but still not enough. Can't pay with current cost of living, so just go without.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Sometimes we just dont buy the prescribed medicine at all or go for the cheaper alternative and just hope that the illness will go away. Even most doctors bill now are not bulk billed anymore and have to pay a gap.”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I have to choose between getting medication that helps with my symptoms or going to see specialists who charge ridiculous amounts up front to look at my notes, discover I'm not a private patient and then tell me they "can't" help.me... I'm also sick of choosing between medication and heating my house. If I choose medication then i get a flare-up of TMJD symptoms from not having the house warm.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“im going to give up my scrips as soon as I run out , except one major one, cant afford and also sick of waiting two weeks to see a gp, and when I do see them , there all different in my outback area , I don't trust them they make me stress, and there knowledge is simple. they don't read your file before you go in , so ten min is lost telling them your illnesses. I've had enough of the poor quality of service.”

terry - SA, Australia

“I am renting, living in a retirement village paying 85percent of my pension and find it tough to pay for medication that I need. ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“Over the past few months, I have had 3 medications taken off the PBS list, and are each in access of $30. The most recent was an HRT medication taken for extreme effects of menopause, so yes women are targeted for higher priced prescriptions. I rely on the pension to pay for my rent and have little left over. My adult children have to give me financial assistance.”

Roseanne - NSW, Australia

“If I was able to buy all of my 22 recommended prescription medications and supplements it would cost 21% of my DSP payments. I also need to pay for specialist medical care. It’s financially impossible to pay for essentials on top of that so I miss out on prescription medications regularly”

Fae - VIC, Australia

“I am a single mother raising a 13yr old daughter. I have prioritised my daughter and being as present for her as I can over the past 13yrs, and that meant taking part time jobs that I could work around her schooling and activities schedule. I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis 4 years ago (degenerative spinal arthritis), with this comes chronic pain. There isn't a day or moment that passes that I don't feel pain; the mornings and nights are worse, sometimes the pain is so bad I can barely move as it shoots down into my lower back, hips and knees. I am a healthy weight, and prior to this diagnosis I was very active and also practiced Yoga 4-5 times a week. My monthly medication for pain maintenance (particularly so I can sleep and function), costs me $330 a month. I have had to go a full year with no medication because I just couldn't afford it and food, rent and bills take priority over my pain unfortunately. It is appalling that medication can be this expensive for people to be able to just function in this world. ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“I am a self funded retired, I can not and most likely never get discounted meds like gov paid pensioners. I am a 70 year old now disabled pensioner following a massive motor bike accident in 2016. I have to choose meds or eating, it's not fair self funded pensioners get NO gov help for meds, rates of any kind, licenses, i worked from age 14 years old and paid taxes but I can not get any help paying for my meds and other costs of living. ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I am on an aged pension and I live in an agedcare home that take 85%of the pension which leaves just around $200 to buy any extra things we require. I have a $200 medication bill monthly which leaves me very little to buy clothing or snacks and fruit etc. Cheaper meds would help a lot.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I have severe and chronic asthma that worsened after contracting COVID multiple times. After numerous GP visits, multiple doctors, ER visits, pneumonias, and simple viruses that turn into protracted illnesses where I couldn't work for weeks. After years of this, I frequently couldn't afford expensive preventer inhalers, and would make the choice to not buy medication to make rent at times. Other times I would live on soup for weeks in order to afford medication and doctors visits. After two years for this I'm finally reaching a resolution with a more accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment - just waiting to go on PBS. In Feb, 2025 I was unable to work for 3 weeks, had to spend savings on travelling for specialist appointments, expensive tests, and affording medications. This meant my partner is paying our rent the past three weeks. The cost of living crisis shouldn't cost Australians their health or life quality. ”

Alexa - NSW, Australia

“I often had to cut back on my meds and food as a diabetic just to keep a roof over my head which I never had to before and the cost of everything is so expensive ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“It’s very hard to balance the cost of living and my medicine.I need the medicine to mantain good health so I continue working ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“My husband is on several expensive medications. 2 of which are not on the PBS. I have had to skip my own medications to be able to have a little but extra to afford his.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I have missed getting my medicine a lot these days as my sons both have ADHD and their medication are getting very expensive. I rather get there medicine and try to keep food on the table and also keep a roof over there heads as I’m renting and not working and been a single mother of 3 it’s becoming very hard and I’m also i diabetic so I would go without my medication cause I just can’t afford all of medicine at once it becoming so hard and more the prices r going up and cost of living it’s so hard and upsetting and we not getting any help ”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“My daughter is diabetic and has to pay astronomical prices just to stay alive. It is not her fault that her pancreas stopped working but the government doesn't care.”

Jafar - WA, Australia

“It’s disgusting that the most expensive medications are life saving medications. Without these medications, people will not survive! No one gets a heart condition cos they feel like it!”

Kylie - VIC, Australia

“I don't take my medication when there is so many bills and just surviving is hard enough make all doctors bulk bill at least we can get our mental health and other issues sorted the health system is a massive mess.”

Lyn - TAS, Australia

“With the ridiculous price of rent it’s a wonder the other two on the list are affordable?? Life for so many is a struggle!! No wonder young people are still living with parents through no fault of their own !!”

Jannine - NSW, Australia

“I’ve noticed cost of my regular meds have crept up. I initially thought my other go to local chemist was just doing it, but I’m now assuming it’s risen everywhere. All those extra cents add up eventually.”

Robin - QLD, Australia

“I am scared to be sick. Firstly,there are not many bulk bills. Secondly,the specialist is too expensive. Thirdly,the living costs of Sydney is too high nowadays. My salary is just average,l feel more stressed than 5 yrs ago.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I have had to go without, borrow money or even sell items to be able to afford mine and my two medically complex children’s medicines. It is crazy expensive expensive paying for scripts, then the over the counter items we need to survive cost a small fortune. I have a Diabetic child also and his diabetes supplies are barely Subsided on the NDSS Scheme, I feel like I go without constantly just to ensure he has what he needs to survive. Even with the NDIS ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I have had Breast Cancer twice in the last four year's and I have other Medical Problems and my Medication has goon up since the beginning of the year”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Some medicines I dont even get filled as they cost more than the $6.90 and I just go without that medicine and also I try and stretch my medications by taking 1 every second day as I have quiet a few medications and if I don't do this they may cost me up to $60 a month and on just the aged pension you have to make things go further”

Anonymous - TAS, Australia

“The tough chooses are a daily decision. Food clothes essenuals which include medical costs. We don’t smoke, drink alcohol or drugs. We skip treats So we can do pharmacies ”

Sheila - SA, Australia

“Unless the Doctor bulk bills I can't afford to go. ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Please Help Us!!!”

Craig - NSW, Australia

“Not only can I not afford the medication but also can't afford to see a good Dr. I live in regional Qld and to see a Dr I have to travel 2hrs. Also it's hard to get proper treatment as IV found out over the yrs. The hospitals out here will not help you IV been judged, racism and they treat you like your a full blown drug addict which I'm not I just need medical care but can't get it because of the people that abuse drugs so they just judge everyone. IV been suffering in silence now for 6yrs now and I high many health problems untreated so il probably die soon! Thanks to the Australian Government.”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“Whilst not on a pension, I work full time but I do not receive a great wage, far from it. Because of this, I pay full freight for medicines (up to $35 per script) which other people get for free or $7.00. I had cancer and had to pay the gap in the radiation. I also pay a mortgage etc. When you add in that I pay full rate for absolutely everything, I am no better off than a person who receives a pension, honestly makes me wonder why I work. ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I take medication every day 11tablets every day ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“I cant afford to go to the Dr in my area and now my daughter is 16, I can't afford for her to go to the Dr. Trying to find a bulk billing Dr to get pur meds means $120 for a 1st payment that we can't afford. Theres 2 community clinics within 20mins of us who both say were are out of their catchment. Not only can I not afford to fill scripts (my pharmacy allows me to pay them back when I can) but I cant afford to see a Dr to get our scripts. My daughter needs to see a specialist costing up to $2000, that wont be happening any time soon”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“I have two chronic health conditions—Crohn's disease and endometriosis—and I’m currently trying to conceive via IVF. The cost of doctors and specialists alone is challenging (and I have more disposable income than the average person), but medication costs are especially brutal. I spend over $200 a month on medications alone. I know I’m luckier than many—I’m able to work full-time from home and earn a decent income—but even for me, it’s incredibly difficult. That’s why I can only imagine how much harder it is for others. Reading stories of people skipping medication, taking it every second day, or even less frequently is heartbreaking. I feel incredibly fortunate that I’ve never had to make that kind of decision. What I also find hard to convey to those who aren’t affected by it is how much Australia’s healthcare system is shifting closer to the U.S. model. Even with Medicare and private health insurance, I still find myself thousands of dollars out of pocket each month for necessary medical care. The gap between what’s covered and what’s actually needed is growing, and it’s becoming harder and harder for people to access the care they require.”

EMMA - QLD, Australia

“I have 6 monthly scripts, my daughters have 2 each = 10 for the family. I have unfilled scripts of $300 sitting there. 3 of them total $160 and this is monthly. I can't afford that right now so we go without. This means conditions get worse when they dont have to. When you have to choose between paying the electricity bill or medicine, we need the lights on more.”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“Since I got injury sustained at work, declined workcover, used all long serice pay to keep living with no wages earning with injury for over 5 months so far. It is extremely frustrating and depressing that I can’t afford medications after paying rent and living costs”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“I was taking high cost prescription and medication however with raised rent and other costs I cannot afford them anymore. As a result I had a stroke last year, because I stopped taking some prescription medication. I am taking the least costly available however have cut back on groceries and no longer afford hair cuts and social outings. My children provide vouchers, toiletries, hobby items and clothing as gifts at Christmas birthdays and Mother’s Day. I cannot afford to buy gifts. Rent has increased from $180.00 per week in 2020 to $320.00 per week in 2024 and that is low rent where I live. I have Fibromyalgia and was managing well with Non Prescription medication recommended to me, however I have been unable to afford them as well and now my symptoms have returned. The prescription medication to help with Fibromyalgia has some side effects that are nasty.. ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“i cant afford all my scripts, gps have given me 8 now to get, I have to not get some of those scripts because I have not got enough money , then I feel sick, ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“With 5 children one of which has chronic heart conditions, one is Autistic and yet another with ADHD medications are adding up fast. Some costing upwards of $40 per box. The government only wants to take as much money from people as possible as far as I’m concerned regardless of which party is in control.”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“I started down dosing my medication September of last year because I can't keep up with the expense. I'm dosing myself off completely by the end of March. That's just to save 7.70 a month.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“At age 77 and having had RA since childhood I have certainly noticed the differences in the various health schemes in Australia since their inception. A lot of things got better however over the years a new attitude seems to have begun to invade and even before covid the prices of medicine have constantly suck upwards. For a country with the resources of Australia The people should not have to make sacrifices to suit the the profits of the uppercrust. ”

Robbert - NSW, Australia

“My pension is $540 a fortnight, jut one of my medications cost $280 a month, another is about $40 a month. Private health is $200 a fortnight. My wife can only work 3 days a week in age care for peanuts. We can't survive like this.”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“Over the past 3yrs on my multiple chronic illness journey, the past year as a single Mum of 3 with lifelong disabilities I’ve had to make a lot of choices between medical appointments ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“Hi I stopped getting medication at all except life nessasary ones I have not had glasses in 4 yrs because I had no money left I had to find 800 dollars to see so I had no choice but to go without medicine and much food to see I have a brain condition so I had migraines every day with no medicine do you know what help I got from the government 50 dollars that I have to wait weeks for to be put in my account people are getting sick to eat ”

Charmaine - WA, Australia

“I have a family of 5 and every member of my family has multiple health issues requiring medications. It is very expensive and stressful managing money to ensure our health needs can be addressed. ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“As person with a disability and chronic conditions when I require medication it quickly adds up and I see myself spending at time more then 30% of my weekly wage just on medication it’s tough when you work all week only to have to spend it all on medications and essential living expenses leaving you having to decide between medication or groceries ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Found some scripts too expensive so just stopped taking daily and take them 2nd daily to save money , l don’t know what Govt saying about 2 mth supply , l don’t get that , medicine for health concerns should not be so expensive, l only work partime n struggle so either don’t get my scripts or halve them or second daily ”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“As a pensioner taking heart medications, 10 tablets per day, the cost is ever increasing, even with a health care card the cost is high and the pbs allowance seems to increase too reguarly, so usually 8 months of the year I pay increased medication costs. The government say they have reduced pbs medication prices, it appears to be quite the opposite.”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“I am like other people who can't afford doctors and specialists I select which is important at the time. Suffering chronic pain Making it hard for meditation as well ,having to be on lots of them. ”

Anonymous - ACT, Australia

“Both my husband and I are age pensioners with a pension card, but there are times when medicines can be over $60 which we don’t get if there is no cheaper brand as a substitute.”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“Please make it cheaper for all working and non working people please ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“I cut back on my medications, so I use mine every other day”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“My rent cost 600 per week and my job only gives me 2 weeks a month so i don't always have the money for my blood pressure meds so 8 guess i could die but as you already know its to expensive to live in Australia i even go without other things aswell. ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“I have 6 chronic conditions which require many prescriptions. Not one of my medications comes in a 2 month supply like the government brags about. I am on DSP and rent for $450 so live well below poverty line.”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I am on so many medications and my pharmacy account is over $2k and close to $3k... It's very hard! Will I ever by at $0? My pharmacist is the best though and has supported and helped me so much throughout it all and continues to do so. 💖🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“I am sick of struggle street”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I have wasted many Ambos time in last 2 yrs then emergency and busy drs time..all could of been avoided if I could afford my medication. How does that save the government money in the long run if emergency is always full. ”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“All working for pennies there's no way you can save because they got people on payments that only last a fortnight can't even afford things you really need for your children n yourself”

David - Australia

“Yes, food or medicine? Petrol in car or food? It's an absolute wrought”

Tanya - Australia

“Today a older man in front of me in the queue paid $330 on his medication. don't know how long it lasted him but he didn't look well off.”

Robert - Australia

“Maybe the news media should start putting the RBA and federal government on blast every single day until the cost of living drops or incomes double. Dig up dirt on every leading figurehead and blast it to the world. We deserve to know truely how corrupt they all are”

Jiye - Australia

“Stuck all the time”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I have watched my partner suffer from chronic pain due to being unable to afford the medications he needs and I have had to “borrow” prescriptions from my chemist till I could afford to pay for them.”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“yes have stopped medicine due to costs”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“Due to the cost I have had to reduce my medicine. Instead of taking 2 different blood pressure and 2 different diabetes medications I have reduce them both down to 1 tablet each. I get sick more often. This in turn has also affected my eye sight. The government doesn't consider people who work and have to a mortgage or rent. If you don't have children you do not receive any help from the government. I am over 60 and still working, with a mortgage and do not receive any reduction on the cost of medication. Our government needs to do better. ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Remember prior to 1991, when medicine was FREE for all Concession Cardholders? Then, they introduced charges and the Pharmaceutical Allowance, which originally covered the cost of a script a fortnight, but now it is only a part payment? Talk about outrageous!”

Amanda - NSW, Australia

“My medication isn’t covered by PBS so I’m not getting any benefit from Medicare. While my local pharmacy does all they can to reduce their margins (slim as they are) this is an additional burden on my finances. I’m now a senior, I pay my taxes and I’m productive but more non-existing bulk billing incentives is just another band-aid. It’s the pharmacists that are keeping healthcare in our neighbourhoods. Their advice, information and referral is essential and pricing us out of their services only places a greater burden on a struggling healthcare system ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“I am disabled and on the NDIS, I have to be on a large number of medications to survive. I have found the costs add up even if the scripts are PBS because it adds up every month. But more so I have found that a significant proportion of medications that actually help me are private and i have had to either find extra money or go without the medication that is helping me stay alive and healthy. it is crushing and I spend all of my money on medication and doctors, it's crushing. I am a huge financial burden on my family and it is devastating to have to rely on them so heavily. It is a messed up system that restricts essential healthcare. Most disabled people live below the poverty line and medicare doesn't cover what we need. This is a crisis for disabled Australians, especially considering our pension has not increased in years!”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“I do the rent each pay day and if I absolutely had to, I would buy cheap food to live on and not buy any take away so I can afford my medicine. I would then see what left over money I have for any nicer food but if not, so be it”

Chantelle - Australia

“Sorry all three are important to everyone. Rent, need food can get help with this, and medication is a priority. Like the English health systems. Bring it to Australia please. Thankyou.”

Denise - Australia

“Not enough is covered by PBS, especially newer medications that work significantly better with less side effects”

Alice - Australia

“A lot of medicines are on the pbs with a 12month freeze of costs ...plus a lot more has been added to the pbs after the previous government took a lot off the list ...if you cannot afford a certain medication it might be advisable to inform your doctor if a cheaper version is available etc”

Susan - Australia

“I was doing the same, skipping a day then 2 days, then 3 days but symptoms were coming back so had to just had to go back taking them everyday and paying a fortune”

Teyana - Australia

“My clinic has stopped bulk billing last year. It is becoming more expensive to see a doctor. I feel sorry for elderly and people who are financially struggling, they have to choose food or see the doctor when sick. Healthcare was supposed to be free. But not anymore.”

Billy - Australia

“While the grubbament sit back giving them selfs endless pay rises & early retirement that one really gets me ,what a joke”

Lee - Australia

“I easily spend $300 on meds a month”

Kaitlyn - Australia

“I am fortunate to be on the pension and receive cheaper prescriptions but I am also on medication that is not covered. Also I am in agedcare and 85percent of pension goes to paying that so whilst my medication is cheaper I struggle to pay for all of it and just don't have some tablets.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I am a self funded retiree and now I am on 80 odd dollars of medicine a month only the expensive ones only have 28 tablets in but with all the bills going up relentlessly especially council rates I struggle ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I no use to much medication that's why I no worry about it. For me more important have money for healthy food ”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“I have already twice (just since losing my health care card) as my son turned 18 in January gone without essential pills for heart failure and blood clots for up to 5 days as I couldn’t afford food and medication while he jumps through hoops to get youth allowance. 6 required medications cost approx $200 per month ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“Living as a Type 1 Diabetic on pump therapy ”

MI - NSW, Australia

“Between my spouse and I we have more than 5 prescription that we have to pay, it amounts to $100 plus, on a monthly basis. It's a hard choice to make buy food or medicines. Many a times we had to buy just the essentials to pay towards the prescriptions.”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“Increased spend due to postpartum health issues on medical and medicines costs contributed to decimating our savings buffer during leave during which i would not have been able to work and had only the 18 weeks minimum wage Centrelink parental leave. We now live week to week and are unable to attend to repairs and maintenance needed on our home. I now have several unfilled prescriptions and refused treatments due to the cost of medicines. Of those i do take, I frequently take less than the prescribed amount to make them last longer. I delay and avoid seeing the Doctor to manage my health conditions and have not completed my specialist appointments despite the issues still being poorly controlled and impacting my health due to the time (impacts work and family) and cost. Over the counter medicines and supplements are also reduced or avoided due to costs despite the impacts of pain and decreased functioning from migraines and endometriosis.”

Anonymous - ACT, Australia

“I’m lucky that I’m retired and eligible for several regular medications at $7.70 each. I would be worried if I had to pay the full price.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“I found big chain stores like chemist warehouse half the price compared to my local chemist, but I have to travel to Newcastle , 50 klms away to my nearest store , so I wait till necessary trip ”

Phil - NSW, Australia

“I buy multiple medications weekly as I am end stage copd. I am under palliative care and need to prioritise what is urgent. I have a health care card but still spend thousands per year and products like ordine are not covered so they cost over $40 per bottle. I wait/save to buy them even though I need them daily. Pension only goes so far fortnightly”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“53 yr old on a Disibility Pension with severe Spinal pain. The cost of Medicinal Medication is upwards of $400 per Month, it works a treat and is the only sauce of pain relief that helps my situation,but for People like me that’s bed bound most of my days is the difference of Struggling to survive to keep a roof over my head and food on the table and paying bills,Not including my other medication for different things .The Medicinal Medication should be on the PBS for Pensioners like me that struggle with everything,and all that stress brings Mental Health. People like me on a Permanent Disability Pension need Help with the Medicinal Medication Prices because we just don’t earn enough to survive. ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“I am a short gut syndrome patient and also struggle with painful back issues as well as non diabetic peripheral neuropathy. All of this requires multiple medications which are very exspensive and a struggle to juggle financially. Ive noticed a decline in my health and I wonder where it will lead. I can only imagine.....”

Lise - QLD, Australia

“The medication that I take for Bipolar is on the PBS for Epilepsy but not for Bipolar and it’s quite expensive. Get it sorted Albo!!!”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“I skip 2 days meds per week. To stretch them out as I take lots of meds. It’s worse when chemist repeatedly looses script from psychiatrist. Being on a pension I choose between food meds and bills. I can no do all in same week. Not enough funds for thar”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Having only the pension for income, I find that often I cannot afford to get all my prescriptions every month. The recent change where there are now periods where I don't have to pay for some scripts is very much appreciated but there are also some scripts I need that are very expensive so I have to cut down on the only thing I can to keep the "living process going" and that is scripts.”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“When the federal government gives (aged) pensioners an increase twice a year, the aged care providers of my accommodation take a chunk of it, leaving me with an about $2.50 increase. I have to rely on on my adult children to supplement paying for my medications, a bill that can reach $160 a month. I have no money to buy grandchildren birthday gifts or any personal products (eg I use Sunlight soap as shampoo and water is the only "beauty treatment" I use to wash my face). Over the past year one of my medications was taken off the PBS list quadrupling the out of pocket cost. Even though I am essentially paying for accommodation, the way the provider bills me monthly, does not entitle me to claim Rent Assistance.”

Roseanne - NSW, Australia

“Looking after 4 grandkidz and on a pension renting as well had some major surgery operation yep have to say no to some meds to get by but it's getting tough every year ”

Marty - QLD, Australia

“My medications are now costing me over $100 a month that I desperately need for my health conditions. It's harder now I get website packs because of the cost per month. ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I was forced to support myself on low income and couldn’t afford blood pressure medication, I had to eat to work, it’s shocking ”

Gayle - QLD, Australia

“Have had to decide between my asthma medication ”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“I am supporting my adult son financially and trying to manage a mortgage and escalating maintain costs. On a fixed income something has to be sacrificed. I have not had a holiday for 20 plus years. I don't know what other expenses I can cut. We eat basic meals, and I always have less so my son gets the food he needs. ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I was diagnosed with cancer but had been working casual. So when I got really sick the money dried up. My husband dropped down to 4 days teaching, with 2 kids both neurodiverse. My husband stopped taking his medicine as it was too expensive and he made the sacrifice so the rest of us can have ours. ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Mental health conditions an unknown is still given little respect in as far as repeat scripts are required ”

Ian - VIC, Australia

“I no longer can afford some prescription medications at all. As my only income is aged pension, my increasing rent has to take preference over medications and sometimes food. ”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“I am very concerned that not everyone can afford to fill prescriptions. I am concerned that tax minimisation by large companies and high net worth individuals as reported annually by the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation is growing. This and a lack of political will to address it, is denying funds otherwise available in a balanced budget to keep health affordable in Australia. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-01/companies-that-paid-no-tax-in-2022-23-revealed-profit-shifting/104545520 Broad access to affordable living is essential to both a competitive economy and a fair and just, pleasant society.”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“My husband and I will be 80 this year. We both need essential medication and several items which cost a lot. We do not get a pension from Australia so are not entitled to get any perks. We have lived here for 11 years but are still classed as visitors. Our UK pensions are frozen. A reduction in the cost of medicine would really help us. At least our GP bulk bills. ”

Joan Elizabeth - QLD, Australia

“I'm lucky, I can afford my medications BUT I'm a Registered Nurse and have witnessed customers asking the pharmacist, " I cants afford all my medications this week. What's more important, my tablets to lower my BP or my diabetes medication "? What an awful predicament for the pharmacist and the patient ”

Kimmy - TAS, Australia

“Some people have problems paying for prescriptions with food, fuel and insurance is so high ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“have lost my husband and now have to pay for the 16 tablets a day.. its getting damn expensive”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Yes, I was prescribed melatonin. Initially I thought it was very expensive (5 mgs extended release - $120 for 3 months supply). The Government now has issued a directive to my compounding lab pharmacy to cease supplying it as it is now available at general pharmacies. The cost at general pharmacies is >/= $170 for 1 months supply! I cannot afford to pay this and have therefore ceased it. Naturally, my sleep is again very disturbed and at times absent. Also I was hospitalised 3 times at 69 years with a very severe shingles infection. The best vaccination for Shingles after I'd recovered cost me $580 for the two doses. If I was 70 years or over I would have been eligible for free vaccination now.”

Veronica - QLD, Australia

“Medicine comes a distant 4th behind rent, food, and car repayments. ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“Yep first I dropped was meds, with a 50 per week increase its crazy. I only got my funeral insurance left to be next!”

Crystal - Australia

“This is an actual issue for me. My second asthma preventer is on 10/120, so thats another cost.”

Joel - Australia

“Pensioner it costs me over 400 a month for prescription medicines. Quite often I will miss medicines,so I can eat”

Scott - Australia

“Would be nice not having to pay for expensive tablets on the the pension I am 82, not a lot left at certain times I am lucky,i have a special daughter and son in law.and son,he buys my Double bed,and big tv, 6 weeks ago ,but my daughter asks for nothing. Xx”

Faye - Australia

“My medicine sometimes costs $200 a week. Already struggling with the cost of living and high rent at times I had to choose to not have my pain medication for over a week so that I could afford rent and groceries. I had to endure the pain from my health conditions because the costs of meds is unaffordable in this economy and there is minimal support to people who live with chronic illnesses or disabilities ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Put simply I just don't go to the Dr or take medications because my husbands chronic health care takes so much out of our budget. I have Gluacoma but cannot afford the $400 plus for specialist appointments. A GP appt is now $90 plus for less than 5 minutes if you can get one...so no...”

Anonymous - TAS, Australia

“With no bulk bill ups in canberra, I have to wait till I can afford $80 to see a doctor. I am a diabetic and I can't even afford the strip's for my machine and low carbon food. It's way too expensive compared to the cheaper groceries. I have two kids and I always make sure rent is paid first and then groceries, petrol and then I look at my medical needs. My last doctor's appointment was in October was in October 2024 and I havenot been able to save to see him since. It's just a shame that we lived in such a develop country and can't even see a doctor when you have a chronic disease.”

Anonymous - ACT, Australia

“I only have one medication to afford but sometimes can’t fill that ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Due to multiple chronic health conditions, I am prescribed 10 different medications, including one that can only be purchased from a compounding pharmacy. Additionally, I take a few vitamins and supplements as directed by my doctor's. Not all medications are covered by the PBS, and the combined cost of mine and my partner's medications rapidly adds up and takes up a large portion of our monthly budget. The added stress of all of this means that my chronic health issues suffer and are compounded!”

Simon - NSW, Australia

“You don't look after yourself the way you should ”

Anonymous - ACT, Australia

“We now are back to paying for our medicine in this,so new year. It means we live on sausages, mince, and rice. It is a treat to have a "whole" piece of red meat. This is how we do it and even this is very hard. thankyou. ”

Trisha - TAS, Australia

“It's Anthor one of life's curve balls that's all”

Marrk - WA, Australia

“There should never be a time when you have to weigh up your options regarding the purchasing of prescribed medication; never.”

Anonymous - QLD, Australia

“My epilepsy medications are ridiculously high, close to $100 every month. I have no concessions or pension because my husband is still employed.”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“Long Standing Physical Health Concerns where Public Pain Specialists are Not Available in Tas. And Disability Concessions and the like not considered where constantly enforced into Private arena - with each system keeping separate from each other, they wont share health records or medical correspondance between specialists with each other let alone patient - me ; so they disable you even further, reduce your own self autonomy and remove your ability to be your own advocate/ self manager in your health management. very disempowering and such financial burdens where bulk billing is refused and non pbs medications insisted on top of it all plus OVER THE COUNTER eye care/ skin care etc etc when Already in such financial stress trying to be as physically healthy as possible and keeping power and water to house and ones essential vechicle and the likes - its also too much.. I feel let down, ignored and mismanaged as its a never ending cycle of no medical aaccountability in keeping central health records let alone allied health services also required compounding Affordability .... this influences families well being as now I need support of charity / societies to keep going as well as support from Community Houses... just so i can afford medications”

Ramona - TAS, Australia

“Up until I Got the medicine card I was paying $150:00 -$250:00 per month for 16 lots of medication, One lot still would cost $50:00 per month if I didn’t get off it . These are for prescription medicines. I still have OTC medication like Ibuprofen / ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“5373 Prescription medications are essential in maintaining my health. My Pharmacy won’t put my medications on credit. ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“Having cancer treatment. You have to pay for medication at home except the ch no treatment ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I'm a lot of tablets but lately some things have not been on pbs and there very expensive plus doctors whats me on vitamins that are not on pbs that are nit cheap it's hard my health fix car put petrol in car or can't get to doctors think Medicare should work out better way with doctors and others as now Medicare owes me 60.00 but they don't have my card number why can't it be done at the place your at us older people aren't all computer savy and that 60 in my pocket now is better than medicares”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“As a diabetic I’m on 3 different medications in addition to needing to play for my constant glucose monitor. I’m also paying a premium for very low carbohydrate substitute foods as studies show this reduces spikes which hopefully means in the future I won’t go blind/lose a limb/have neuropathy - but these items like low carb bread are twice the price of normal bread. This all adds up to quite a lot noting I also have to routinely see the specialist and GP for my diabetes checkups every few months. The NDSS and PBS do not meet the needs of diabetics and for those that work hard to keep their blood sugar in range (to avoid creating more strain on Medicare later in life when they experience complications) they pay a hefty price. ”

Anonymous - ACT, Australia

“Medication is essential ”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“The cost of prescription medicines is outrageous now... I pay full price as I work and get no concessions...anything up to $40 a pkt for antibiotics”

Suzanne - Australia

“Okay, it shouldn't be a choice between medicines and food, however, one way that medicines can be made cheaper is if doctors don't mark the box brand substitution not permitted, and you have to buy a brand name instead of a generic. In some cases, you're paying for the name.”

Peter - Australia

“*Medicine comes first. It's keeping me alive. *Rent 2nd. Simply it's a roof over my head & somewhere out of the weather. * Food last. Just because I would like 3 meals a day doesn't mean that I have to have them. One a day is okay. One every 2nd day works too. I am obese. I've been told that I can't loose weight because I am in starvation mode. Apparently, I don't eat enough.”

Lucinda - NSW, Australia

“Rent or take your meds & live on the street with no food”

Debbie - Australia

“Pay the rent. As being homeless is scary.Then go out and beg for money for medications and have a sign up if you don't wish to give me money buy something I can eat.”

Christine - Australia

“Another broken promise from Albo. Most of my mothers script meds have increased in price. Brags he is for the ordinary people! A joke!”

Michelle - Australia

“I think the Pharmacy Guild should be lobbying the pharmaceutical companies to lower their prices of their medicines for the general public l.The government is already doing a lot to try and get as many medicines onto the PBS.Its the pharmaceutical companies that are the greedy ones.”

Marg - NSW, Australia

“it happens all the time , I personally had to cut few specialists due to high cost of it and also don't take all medications I need to or take it every second day! its sad situation but it is very true and its happening more and more in the suposingly rich country under ''excellent'' government!”

Marijana - VIC, Australia

“Yeah because we’re busy spending taxpayer dollars painting and decorating new roadworks, bridges, barriers etc. The amount of money in this state being wasted instead of hospitals and housing makes me sick”

Jo - Australia

“Massively failed health system in Perth”

Peter - Australia

“My children a grown up except my 15 year old. I had a massive stroke a 19 months ago & I have aneurism on my brain & the laying in bed paralysis we in hospital I now walk but in a lot of pain it has caused my pelvic to be out of place . So I’m seeing specialist left right & centre & I’ll never work again I know you get some back from Medicare when you see a specialist but I don’t have the $600 to start with & ndis won’t cover chiropractor but chiropractor has been the only one to put my pelvis back in place but it keeps slipping out it’s going to take time for my body to Learn to keep pelvic in place in meantime. My last 15 year old baby has to live with my adult daughter & husband because I carnt afford he’s needs & I starve myself to afford my chiropractor & quite often council my specialist appointments cause I don’t have the money up front at all. And now I’ve got 10 weeks to move out of my granny flat cause landlord is bankrupt he has to sell house which comes with my granny flat. I have no where to go my adult daughter lives in Port Steven’s of course I can go there & be with my son too. But it took me 17 months to find the right chiropractor & the osteopath & property rentals are more than what I get on disability’s & if I moved in with my daughter I’d have to travel 6 hours twice a week for my appointments. And God forbid if my son got sick ,really sick as in hospital sick I wouldn’t know what to do it’s absolutely ridiculous the money landlords are asking for rent. It’s all about greed my last place before my stroke had black mould under tiles a lot of repairs needed doing . But nothing ever got fixed even tho I organised a plumber to give me a quote on bathrm for landlord. He said he would e. Mail to him the unit is unlivable due to the black mould the bathroom needs everything stripped out . He gave letter to landlord nothing was ever done doors never got fixed carpet that was from the late 70s was decomposing the late 70 S kitchen was falling apart . When I left they hit me up for all of the things that were wrong when I first moved into the place it’s no wonder I didn’t have another massive stroke. I couldn’t imagine my child being very ill & not being able to afford he’s medicine, that’s every parents worse nightmare !”

Gail - Australia

“It is more about the cost of rent than medicine right now!”

Michael - Australia

“My mum works full time as an AIN and took on 2 extra kids when my sister passed . One of which requires medications that cost over a thousand a month and she gets nothing off Centrelink because they claim she earns too much .”

Katrina - Australia

“The expensive part is getting the script written.Many doctors charge $90-95 , which means $50 out of pocket where”

Geoffrey - Australia

“Go and see your local member. Yes it’s tough for many. This government has to go. Our hospitals are bursting at the seams and energy bills are devastating families!!!👎👎👎👎👎👎”

Sarah - Australia

“It is getting that way, meds going up and before long they will be $10 per script, mine were just over $5, now almost $8, this is what they are aiming for the big bucks - then it is decision time on what meds you well purchase and which one you will give the big miss. A big thank you to Airbus for that.”

Elizabeth - Australia

“That should not be a choice u should have both❤️❤️❤️”

Karen - Australia

“Cost of living is shocking. Coles & Woollies are hiking prices up by $3-$4 a time. Surely that must be illegal.I almost always shop at FOODLAND or Aldi now.”

Steffie - Australia

“PBS medicines in Australia cost up to $31.60 each. The same medicine is free in New Zealand.”

Jono - Australia

“The PBS helps countless Australians. Unfortunately, continued price rises combined with the ever-increasing cost of living are making vital medicines unaffordable for a huge proportion of the population.”

Affordable - Australia

“Thought this was posted from overseas. We are supposed to be the lucky country. I work in a library and was asked by a patron what he should do. He couldn't afford both his medications and his wife's. I sympathised and said he should talk to his doctor or pharmacist. He was so distressed ”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“I’m 60 year old I need for bills and foods ”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“Alot of tough choices I had to make when it came to getting my medication and having money left over for food. It shouldnt be like this. ”

Kylie - TAS, Australia

“Paying higher medicine bill than last your I'm only on a diabity pension ”

Anonymous - TAS, Australia

“I have no money for petrol I live on a shoestring Last $spent ”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“l don’t know what to say ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“Feel bad about it so I really don't know”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“The costing of living now days are very hard for us low incomes that we get the more little pay rise we get the more everything goes up in price we find it very hard this is why so many people are on the streets because it's to high for us to afford to live”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“What I can say”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“Would be nice have exact cash for food and help my grandson and myself being on a pension it hard”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“its been very hard on psying for medicine thrse days the prices have gone throught the roof and its bullshit ”

robert - NSW, Australia

“A 58 year old on a disability pension. On 15 medications per day. 3 of those medications are not on the pbs. Always having to make a decision between medication or food.”

Sally - NSW, Australia

“I have had to scrounge enough to pay for medicine and some days have had to go without until I could afford to pay for it”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“My kid has been diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder. Treatment (under care of paediatrician/metabolic specialist) cost is $4000/yr. Ongoing requirement for her health. No subsidy or financial assistance whatsoever. How are we going to sustain this expense? ”

Anonymous - VIC, Australia

“I am on a disability pension. Medications are over 100 dollars per month. Some for my mental health are not covered by pbs. ”

April - SA, Australia

“Stay healthy ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“My wife and I stay home 7 days a week I have massive medical problem food and medication have been hard pention dis pention needs to be raised properly.”

Anonymous - SA, Australia

“I am a single mother. After surgery to remove “abnormal cells” my doctor prescribed medicine to keep them from coming back. I couldn’t afford to take the medicine daily and feed my children. I chose food and now the cells are back and I need invasive surgery that will keep me off work for months. No one should have to chose between getting cancer and feeding their children. ”

Anonymous - WA, Australia

“Rent first food for us 2 next and medicine third. A fact of life. Thanks to our selfcentered PM who does not care at all.”

Anonymous - NSW, Australia

“Need cheaper medicines!”

laureta - NSW, Australia

“I am a single mother with a one year old not receiving child support. My medications cost me $84 per month, already going without my asthma preventer and not including Panadol or teething gel my son will need that month. I have stopped taking my reflux medication due to cost and regularly go without my anti seizure or blood pressure medications so I can afford rent and basic foods.”

Tammy - SA, Australia

“I have often had to get my medication on credit because I can’t always afford them, then pay back the credit on Pension day. It is a struggle. Many medications are not covered on PBS and my health depends on those. I no longer have a car, or luxuries. Bare survival is all that I can manage.”

Christine - QLD, Australia

“When my kids need prescription medicines we often go without nutritious food to afford what they need to get better. It’s a bloody joke.”

Holly - VIC, Australia