Twelve months after the landmark $792.9 million women's health package, the Australian Government is continuing to deliver on its promise of more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women and girls.
Since announcing our women's health package, more than 660,000 women have accessed more than 2 million cheaper scripts for new contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment were listed on the PBS.
- 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.
- 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.
Since January 2026 women will get further savings from the reduction in out-of-pocket costs for PBS prescription medicines now $25, with the concessional co-payment remaining at $7.70.
The Australian Government changes to make Medicare work better for women with:
- Over 71,000 women undergoing a menopause health assessment since 1 July 2025, when they first became covered by Medicare.
- $49 million has been invested to provide around 430,000 more services to help women across the country with complex gynaecological conditions including endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and chronic pelvic pain.
- Australian women are also benefitting from new Medicare items for longer consultation times and higher rebates for specialised gynaecological care.
- Larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants continue to save women up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs a year, improving access.
- 11 additional Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics have opened taking the network to 33 nationwide. The new clinics have also started providing perimenopause and menopause care, with the original clinics to provide this support later in the year.
- National clinical guidelines for perimenopause and menopause will be developed to support health professionals provide evidenced-based consistent care; and Australia's first national awareness campaign for menopause and perimenopause will launch this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance and Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:
"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.
"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."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ageing Minister for Disability and the NDIS, Mark Butler:
"All Australian women deserve to have their health issues taken seriously and given the priority they deserve.
"Our government is doing that, delivering women more choice, lower costs and better access to services and treatments."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health, Rebecca White:
"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.
"The Albanese Government is changing the way women's health is treated and viewed, no longer as an afterthought, but as a priority.
"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."
