Tasmanian women are set to benefit from cheaper medicines and better health care thanks to the next stage of the Albanese Government's landmark $792.9 million Women's Health Package.
From 1 November 2025, further changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) will give women more contraceptive choice by making it cheaper and easier to access IUDs and contraceptive implants.
MBS rebates for IUD and contraceptive implants procedures will significantly increase, better reflecting the time and skill required, incentivising health professionals to provide long-acting contraception services and helping to reduce out of pocket costs for women.
For example, the rebates for IUD insertions will increase from $93.55 to $215.95 and implant insertion will increase from $41.50 to $100.40. These changes to MBS will remove cost and access barriers so more women can choose the contraceptive option that works best for them saving around 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.
To support this the Albanese Government is funding free training for health practitioners in the insertion and removal of IUDs and implants through the national AusLARC program.
The program will boost the number of qualified practitioners and improve access to services. Scholarships are available to help health professionals with travel and accommodation costs.
Also from 1 November, NuvaRing ® will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) giving women access to another affordable contraceptive option.
The flexible vaginal ring offers an alternative to daily oral contraceptives. With its addition on the PBS, women will be able to access NuvaRing ® for $31.60 per script or $7.70 if they hold a concession card.
From 1 January 2026, under the Government's policy Australians will pay a maximum of just $25 per script.
These changes build on the Women's Health Package already delivering results for Tasmanians. Between March and September this year, over 13,000 Tasmanian women filled more than 34,000 prescriptions for newly listed contraceptives, hormone therapies, and endometriosis medicines - saving around $1.3 million through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
"Women shouldn't have to jump through hoops to get the care they need.
"Whether it's managing contraception, navigating menopause, pelvic pain, or simply talking openly with a doctor, Labor's women's health package is making healthcare easier, more affordable and less stressful.
"From 1 November, women will have more choice over their reproductive health than ever before, by making IUDS and implants more affordable we're giving women genuine choice about what works for them.
"Cost and access have too often determined a women's contraception options, these changes are about removing those barriers, so decisions are made in consultation with a health professional and not their bank balance."
Quotes attributable to Minister Collins:
"Women deserve affordable, accessible, and respectful healthcare. These reforms are about ensuring our system works better for Tasmanian women.
"Too many Tasmanian women still face barriers when it comes to managing their health - this package is about tackling those barriers head-on.
"Our Government delivered Tasmania's first Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, we've delivered cheaper medicines which has helped save Tasmanian's save more than $40 million and this next stage is about delivering more practical change."
