Starting November 1, approximately 300,000 women across Australia will benefit from the inclusion of several contraceptives in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This significant update aims to make birth control more accessible and affordable for many.

Health Minister Mark Butler, in a recent appearance on Today, revealed that three different oral contraceptive pills and a device known as the NuvaRing will soon be covered under the PBS. This addition signifies a considerable step forward in supporting women’s health needs.

The NuvaRing, a device that releases a blend of estrogen and progestogen, provides an alternative to daily oral contraceptives by allowing users to follow a monthly cycle. Previously, this device came with an annual cost of $270.

However, with its inclusion in the PBS, the financial burden will now significantly decrease. As Minister Butler stated, the cost will drop to $31.60 per prescription, with concession holders able to obtain it for as low as $7.70 per script. This change translates to a potential saving of up to 88 percent, making it two-thirds cheaper for most Australian women.

The incorporation of three additional contraceptive pills into the PBS is part of a broader initiative to enhance the affordability of birth control, ensuring that more women have access to essential reproductive health options without the financial strain.

Three other pills will also be added to the scheme, as part of a wide-ranging plan to make birth control more affordable.

“Literally 300,000 women every year will save hundreds and hundreds of dollars,” Butler told Today.

“With three new pills that hundreds of thousands of women were using because they’re really highly effective and don’t have side effects that some of the older medicines have.”

Butler also announced on January 1 next year, contraceptives would cost no more than $25 per script.

“Australia’s women will have access to all of their contraceptive choices for no more than $100 a year,” he said.

“And that’s as it should be, this is essential care for hundreds of thousands of Australians.”

To support these measures, a new 40 per cent bulk billing incentive has been announced, which the government believes will incentivise doctors to provide long-acting contraception services to women.

“This is about making sure women have genuine choice when it comes to their reproductive health, choice that isn’t limited by cost or access,” Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said.