Results of independent longitudinal research by Insightfully* shows one in four women (27%) have been unable to afford their prescription medicines in the past three years because of the cost.
This figure is even higher for women aged 35-54, with one in three (35%) unable to afford their medication.
Women are twice as likely as men to say they can’t afford a prescription for themselves or their family, with the number of women who said they couldn’t afford medicine increasing by one third since 2022.
Women across Australia need more support when it comes to affordable access to prescription medicine for themselves and their family.
Sydney community pharmacist Catherine Bronger said she witnessed every day the tough choices her female patients were forced to make - budget decisions between filling prescriptions and other essentials such as rent, groceries and petrol.
“Many of the women who visit my pharmacy are not only filling scripts for themselves but also for their partner and kids and in some cases, their extended family.
“When patients and their family members have one or more chronic condition the costs really add up. I have many regular female patients who get three, four, sometimes up to ten prescriptions each month.
Ms Bronger said she was increasingly being asked by patients which scripts they should prioritise to minimise the cost impost on the household budget.
“What worries community pharmacists is the consequences for patients who go without their prescribed medicines. Medicine non-adherence can lead to the accelerated onset of chronic conditions, hospitalisation and permanent impairment.
“Of course, when a person’s health deteriorates everything else is at risk of falling away, such as work, education and the family’s ability to pay the bills.”
Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National President Professor Trent Twomey said the impact of the current cost of prescription medicine on women was a matter for all Australians.
“In Australian families, women are often the primary caregivers and the family’s health manager – taking responsibility for making health appointments and filling and paying for prescription medicines.
“The government has the power to make medicine more affordable by reducing the general copayment for PBS listed medicines. This will have an immediate effect on cost-of-living pressures, putting money directly back into the pocket of families.
The PBS co-payment is the fixed amount Australians pay for subsidised prescription medicines, with the government covering the remaining cost. Currently, non-concession cardholders pay up to $31.60 per prescription.
Family Planning Alliance Australia, CEO Daile Kelleher is also witnessing firsthand the impact the cost of medicine is having on patients, especially on young women.
“We’re on the frontline, and we are currently helping women, who five years ago, never would’ve dreamed of coming to us for help.
“Medication is an essential item. However, for women who are juggling rising rent, grocery and electricity prices, it has become more of a luxury item.
“Without affordable access to prescription medication, young Australian women are sacrificing their autonomy over their sexual and reproductive health just to afford their next meal.
Professor Twomey said medicine should never be a luxury item.
“In a country as lucky as ours, Australians should be able to access the medicine they need to keep themselves and their family healthy.”
*Nationally representative longitudinal research by Insightfully, sample size more than 2800, November 2024.