We dig into the details of a pledge by the Federal Government for a $573 million funding boost for women’s health services.
In a three-page fact sheet, the Department of Health and Aged Care unveiled a suite of funding to support women with menopause and perimenopause and to improve access to contraceptives on Sunday, February 9.
But don’t celebrate too soon. Not all of this funding is locked in. Many of the initiatives are election promises – ie, they rely on either Labor winning the 2025 Federal Election or backing from whoever forms government in 2025.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre has broken down the details to help you understand what services are available to women this year and those that are just words for the time being.
What you will be able to access
From March 1, 2025, some of the most commonly used contraceptive pills, Yaz and Yasmin will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). That means women will pay $126.40 a year for the contraceptive instead of the $380 paid currently. It’ll cost $30.80 a year for those with a concession card.
It’s worth knowing prescription birth control is free in the UK, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and the Philippines.
From March 1, 2025, menopausal hormone therapies estradiol, progesterone and estradiol and progesterone will be listed on the PBS. Women will pay a maximum of $31.60 a month or $7.70 with a concession card.
From July 1, 2025, women experiencing menopause or perimenopause will be able to receive a Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments.
From early 2026, concession card holders will be able to get a consultation from a pharmacist for uncomplicated UTI’s for free. They will only pay the cost of medication if it’s required.
Promises for funding dependent on 2025 election
A national awareness campaign to help women have informed discussions about menopause and perimenopause, and clinical guidelines will be developed if Labor is elected in the 2025 election.
There are currently 22 endometriosis pain clinics across Australia. The Labor has promised to deliver another 11 clinics across Australia and to expand their remit to provide specialist support for menopause and perimenopause. It’s worth knowing the nearest clinic currently to the Illawarra is in Mittagong or Milton.
Funding has been promised for insertion and removal of IUDs and birth control consults can be bulk billed. If it gets the green light, it’ll save women $400 in out-of-pocket costs.
Eight training centres have been promised to ensure health professionals are trained in IUDs and implants.
What we say
“We will always be supportive of initiatives that make it easier for women to access health services, and we very much appreciate the announcement on Sunday about the long overdue significant investment in women’s health, and know that this announcement will be welcome for many women paying hundreds of dollars a year to access commonly used contraceptives and menopause hormone therapies,” said General Manager of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, Ali Anderson.
“Women have been ignored by healthcare policy for too long. These funding promises make it clear there is an opportunity for women to make their voices heard about their medical needs in the lead-up to the federal election.
“Prescribed contraceptives are free in many countries around the world. It is disappointing this doesn’t appear to be on the agenda for Australian women for our current government.”
“We urge women to contact their local federal members to let them know what they need from the next government to address their concerns.”
What to do next
Have a conversation with your health practitioner to find out if you can benefit from any of the initiatives set to become available in the coming months.
At the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, we have a Nurse Practitioner who can support your women’s, sexual, and reproductive health needs in a trauma-informed and non-judgmental environment. Services include menopause and perimenopause advice, information on treatment options and contraception advice, management and prescription.
All consultations are bulk billed with a Medicare card. If you don’t have a Medicare card, please contact us for more information.
