Pharmacy Fees Explained

The Canterbury District Heath Board (CDHB) is working to help Cantabrians understand the charges they should pay for prescriptions.

“There are a variety of subsidy cards out there, such as the Community Services Card and the Prescription Subsidy Card, that entitle users to discounted prescription charges. However, it can get confusing and we felt there was a need to clarify just what people can expect to pay for each item when they get their prescription filled at a pharmacy,” CDHB’s Acting General Manager Planning and Funding Terry Mitchell said.

Much of the cost of prescriptions is subsidised by the Government, with the remainder paid by the individual. Some medicines are not fully subsidised and people have to pay more for those medicines.

People should not be charged a blanket service fee on top of their prescription charge. Pharmacists may however charge for extra products or services not covered by the Government. For example, they might charge for faxed prescriptions, home deliveries, special packaging or after hours services. The pharmacist is required to tell people about any extra charges on their prescription so that the individual can decide whether or not they want the extra service.

For more information on prescription fees, CDHB has produced a brochure that is available from General Practices, public libraries and on the website: www.cdhb.govt.nz

ENDS

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