Tasmanian women are set to benefit from cheaper medicines and better health care thanks to the next stage the Albanese Government’s landmark $792.9 million Women’s Health Package.
From 1 November 2025, further changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) will give women more contraceptive choice by making it cheaper and easier for them access IUDs and contraceptive implants.
These changes to MBS will remove cost and access barriers so that more women — including those in regional and rural areas — can choose the contraceptive option that works best for them.
From 1 November, MBS fees for IUDs and contraceptive implant insertion and removal will significantly increase.
In addition, three new MBS items will support nurse practitioners to deliver services, and a 40 per cent bulk-billing incentive will be introduced, incentivising health professionals to provide long-acting contraception, services saving around 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.
The Albanese Government is also funding free training for health practitioners in the insertion and removal of IUDs and implants through the national AusLARC program.
The program will boost the number of qualified practitioners and improve access to services, particularly in regional and remote areas. Scholarships are available to help all Australian participants with travel and accommodation costs, including those in Tasmania.
These changes build on the Women’s Health Package already delivering results for Tasmanians. Between March and September this year, over 13,000 Tasmanian women filled more than 34,000 prescriptions for newly listed contraceptives, hormone therapies, and endometriosis medicines — saving around $1.3 million through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“Women shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get the care they need.
“Whether it’s managing contraception, navigating menopause, pelvic pain, or simply talking openly with a doctor, Labor’s women’s health package is making healthcare easier, more affordable and less stressful.
“From 1 Nov, women will have more choice over their reproductive health than ever before, by making IUDS and implants more affordable we’re giving women genuine choice about works for them.
“Cost and access have too often determined a women's contraception options, these changes are about removing those barriers, so decisions are made in consultation with a health professional and not their bank balance.”