In the year following the government’s landmark $792.9 million women’s health package, more than 660,000 women in Australia have accessed more than 2 million cheaper scripts for new contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment, which were listed on the PBS.
The statistics are part of an announcement by the Albanese Labor Government, sharing the positive impacts the women’s health package has provided to women.
“Women asked government to take their health seriously, and we’ve delivered. In just the first year, hundreds of thousands of women have saved money on essential medicines, more are getting dedicated menopause care through Medicare, and access to long-acting contraception is easier and more affordable,” Katy Gallagher, the Minister for Finance and Minister for Women.
“This is practical change that shows up at the pharmacy counter and in the GP clinic. With $25 PBS scripts now in place, costs are coming down even further in 2026.”
“Backed by record investment, we’re modernising women’s health, expanding specialised care through clinics, improving access in primary care, and making sure the system actually works for women at every age and stage.”
From last year, the first PBS listing for new contraceptive pills in more than 30 years and two more forms of contraceptives has helped 303,000 women save over $23 million on 573,000 scripts in the past year.
The first PBS listing of new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years has helped 363,000 women save $45.4 million on 1.5 million scripts in the past year.
More than 6,700 women with endometriosis have accessed treatment at PBS prices, saving $4.9 million on 26,000 scripts in the past year.
Meanwhile, women undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilisation) are receiving earlier and more affordable access to a form of fertility treatment, with more than 46,000 women with specific low levels of reproductive hormones accessing 273,000 scripts in the past year.
From January 2026 women will get further savings from the reduction in out-of-pocket costs for PBS prescription medicines, which are now $25, with the concessional co-payment remaining at $7.70.
Over the past year, the government’s changes to Medicare have seen over 71,000 women undergoing a menopause health assessment since 1 July 2025, when they first became covered by Medicare.
Women with complex gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and chronic pelvic pain, have seen $49 million invested to provide around 430,000 more services. Eleven additional Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics have also opened, taking the network to 33 nationwide.
“One year on from the launch of the landmark Women’s Health Package, the impact is clear. Women are paying less for essential medicines, accessing more support through Medicare and the PBS, and getting access to the health care they deserve,” said Rebecca White, the Assistant Minister for Health.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved for women and girls through this package, and we are committed to building on this progress, strengthening Medicare, opening new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, training health professionals and empowering women in a health system that values them.”