MORE CHOICE, LOWER COSTS FOR ONE MILLION WOMEN

More than one million Australian women have accessed cheaper medicines for contraception, endometriosis and menopause thanks to the Albanese Government’s landmark nearly $800 million Women’s Health Package.   

The new figures released during Women’s Health Week, shows the Albanese Labor Government is continuing to deliver on its promise of more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women and girls. 
 
Since March 2025, more than one million women have filled over four million cheaper prescriptions for oral contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies, and endometriosis treatments listed on the PBS, resulting in more than $150 million in savings.   
 
The new PBS listings are giving women more affordable options at different stages of their lives.

• The first PBS listing for new contraceptive pills in more than 30 years and two more forms of contraceptives has helped more than 400,000 women save over $55 million on 1.27 million scripts, which previously could cost up to $380 a year.
• The first PBS listing of new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years has helped 520,000 women save $110 million on 3 million scripts, which previously could cost up to $670 a year.
• More than 11,000 women with endometriosis have accessed treatment at PBS prices, saving $11.7 million on 600,000 scripts, which previously could cost up to $2,700 a year.

These medicines are now available for no more than $25 per PBS script or $7.70 for concession card holders. 
 
The Albanese Government’s Women’s Health Package continues to deliver on its promise of more choice, lower costs and better care for Australian women with: 

• All 33 Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics open across the country that now also support perimenopause and menopause care.
• More than 137,000 women have undergone a menopause health assessment since being covered by Medicare.
• 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 contraceptive implants continue to save women up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs a year, improving access.
• The first national awareness campaign on menopause and perimenopause to reduce stigma by normalising conversations about menopause and perimenopause.

We know there is more to do to improve women's health, and our work doesn't stop here. That's why we have established a new Senate Select Committee on Women's Health to look at issues including fertility, postpartum healthcare and women’s pain. Our Ministerial Expert Panel on Women's Health is focused on where we can improve health outcomes for women, starting with cardiovascular disease. 

Women's Health Week provides an important opportunity to celebrate progress, raise awareness of ongoing health challenges, and ensure women have the information, support and services they need to thrive at every stage of life.

“Whether it’s contraception, endometriosis treatment or menopause care, women should be able to access the medicines they need without cost being a barrier.”

Quotes attributable to Minister 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 White: 
"We listened to women when they told us they wanted more affordable options and greater choice and now more than one million women are benefitting from cheaper medicines. 
 
"That's more money back in women's pockets, but importantly, it's also more choice when it comes to their health and the care that's right for them. 

"Women's Health Week is a reminder to all women to make our health a priority. Women spend so much of their live taking care of everyone else and too often their own health ends up down the list. 

“So make the appointment you’ve been putting off, have that conversation about your health with a doctor or even just a friend and make time for you."