The Albanese government has unveiled a significant $573.3 million investment that’s aiming for better access, lower cost, and more choice in women’s healthcare.
From cheaper contraceptives to more support for menopause, endometriosis, and UTIs, the half a billion investment covers a lot of ground.
In good news, some of the policies will be enacted as soon as March 2025. Meanwhile other aspects face a more uncertain future and would depend on a Labor re-election post May.
But what does the package have in store? Here’s the lowdown:
New contraceptive pills on the PBS
First up, some good news for anyone on the pill — a new pill has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the first time in over 30 years.
That’s right, two popular options, the Yaz and Yasmin, will now be listed from March 1, 2025.
If you’re currently paying for these pills out of pocket, you’re probably spending around $380 a year. That’s now expected to drop to just $126.40 a year.
The move is expected to help around 50,000 women each year and the government says they’re working to list more contraceptive options in the future.
Making IUDs cheaper
Despite its effectiveness, long-term contraceptives like IUDs and birth control implants are way less common in Australia than other countries. Only 10 per cent of Australian women use these options, compared to countries like New Zealand (12 per cent), Ireland (14 per cent), and Sweden (33 per cent).
The new package is looking to improve this. Medicare rebates for the insertion and removal of IUDs and implants will be getting a big increase, which means you could save up to $400 a year in out-of-pocket costs.
With the rebate set to increase by up to 150 per cent, around 300,000 women could stand to benefit.
Of course, options like the IUD and implants aren’t just for contraception — they are also used to manage conditions like painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and endometriosis, making this a big move for women dealing with these issues.
The government explained an investment of $25.1 million will also be used to establish eight Centres of Training Excellence to ensure healthcare professionals are trained, skilled and confident in this area.
Help is coming to deal with that nasty pelvic pain. Source: SewcreamStudio / Getty Images
Expanding endo and pelvic pain clinics
On the topic of endometriosis… Around one in nine women are affected by this condition, which is often painful and difficult to manage.
There are currently about two dozen endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics across the country and the government confirmed 11 more will be added to the mix.
These clinics will also provide specialist support for other areas like menopause and perimenopause.
Pharmacy support to treat uncomplicated UTIs
Anyone who’s been so unlucky as to face a UTI knows what an absolute demon that week can be. Thankfully, there could be an improved route to fixing that infection.
The government has committed $100 million towards two national trials to make it easier for women to access UTI treatment. Under the trials, concession cardholders will be able to see a trained pharmacist for a consultation at no cost. This means they will only have to pay for any required medication.
Menopause support
Menopause can be a real struggle, and one in five women will experience symptoms that interfere with their daily life.
The new package includes a Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, which will start in July 2025.
For the first time ever, national clinical guidelines for menopause will be developed, and three new treatments — Prometrium®, Estrogel®, and Estrogel® Pro — will be listed on the PBS.
GPs welcome the health package
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler described the overall package as a “tribute to all the Australian women who have worked so hard, for so long, to have their voices heard and acknowledged”.
Assistant Minister Ged Kearney added that women’s health has often been “shrouded in shame and stigma”.
“Women deserve choice and control when it comes to their healthcare needs, and they deserve a healthcare system that understands and responds to these needs as they change throughout their lives,” she said in a statement on Sunday.
“This investment in women’s health of over half a billion dollars will shift the dial on an entrenched culture of medical misogyny – we’re talking about alleviating pain, reducing delays in diagnosis, avoiding unplanned pregnancies, and transforming menopause care.”
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) welcomed the announcement, noting cost-of-living has been hitting women hard.
“Surveys show women are more likely to have delayed seeking essential healthcare due to costs than men. And, on top of this, medical misogyny is embedded in Medicare,” said RACGP President Dr Michael Wright in a statement.
“The current subsidy for Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertion is just $77, while a vasectomy, which is equally complex and time consuming, gets much more funding at $222.”
He pointed out that improved funding into women’s healthcare, including contraceptives and health assessments, is an investment that will pay off.
“It will improve health and wellbeing, reduce pressure on our health system, and help reduce gender bias in our health system,” Wright said.
Additionally, the opposition has confirmed it would match the funding announcement if it is elected to government.
“Whether it is helping women who live with chronic health conditions like endometriosis, supporting women with menopause, or helping families on their fertility journey, we are committed to getting the policy settings right,” said Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston in a statement.
“However, the Coalition remains concerned that, under the Albanese Labor government, it has never been harder or more expensive for women in Australia to access critical primary care.”
The Coalition has committed to guaranteeing cheaper medicines and a specific review into targeted healthcare for women, she added.
Last year, the Greens promised to provide women with free access to contraceptives if elected, pointing out many countries like the UK, France, and multiple Scandinavian countries already provide such a service.
“The Greens are committed to empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health without further financial strain,” said Larissa Waters, Greens spokesperson on women.
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