Announcement date
6 March 2026
Link to announcement
National Health (Closing the Gap—PBS Co-payment Program) Special Arrangement 2026 - Federal Register of Legislation
Problem being addressed
The National Health (Closing the Gap – PBS Co-payment Program) Special Arrangement 2016 instrument provides access to affordable Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines for First Nations people living with, or at risk of, chronic disease, and who in their doctor’s opinion would experience setbacks in the prevention or ongoing management of chronic disease if they did not take their prescribed medicine. Remaking the instrument without significant amendments will ensures eligible First Nations people have access to medicines on the PBS at the concessional rate, or for a concession card holder, free of charge.
The Instrument was due to sunset on 1 April 2026.
Proposal
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing proposes to remake the legislative instrument without significant amendments. The new instrument is the National Health (Closing the Gap—PBS Co-payment Program) Special Arrangement 2026.
Assessment comments
Consistent with the Government's Policy Impact Analysis requirements for sunsetting instruments, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has certified that the instrument is operating effectively and efficiently. Therefore, an Impact Analysis is not required for the remaking of the instrument.
Regulatory burden
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing estimates no change in the average annual regulatory costs burden to people, business or community organisations.