Communications campaign begins on the reinstatement of the prescription co-payment

With the reintroduction of prescription co-payment taking effect from 1 July we want to alert members to the public information available to explain the changes that’s been developed and now distributed by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora (HNZ).

“PSNZ has consistently asked for a strong public information campaign to support the reintroduction of the co-payment since it was announced in this year’s Budget,” says President Michael Hammond.

“A strong public information campaign is vital as this will be a big change for many patients and, as members know, some will find it an unwelcome extra payment in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

“Reading online comment sections shows that there are still a lot of mixed feelings about what the policy means for pharmacists, and how it impacts on them and their patients.

“This is why we considered it important that the government agency implementing the policy decision provided resources to take some of the load off our members and pharmacy teams during the change process,” he said.

HNZ has now released communications collateral to explain the reinstatement and has asked regional pharmacy leads to provide it directly to integrated community pharmacy services agreement (ICPSA) holders.

It has also prepared a list of questions and answers about the fee that you can access here on their website.

From July 1, the standard $5 prescription co-payment is being reinstated, with exemptions for people aged 13 years or under, community services card holders and the dependent children of card holders, people aged 65 years or over, and people who hold a prescription subsidy card.

“We are anticipating that you, our members, may have questions that you may not feel like putting your names to so please direct those to us and we can ask them on your behalf. Please send those questions to practice@psnz.org.nz,” says Michael.

Health New Zealand is expecting to upload more information on its website in the lead up to the transition day including the updated pharmacy procedures manual, and the compulsory variation to ICPSA holders.

For any remaining questions, people are being encouraged to send them to pharmacy@tewhautuora.govt.nz.