For many families in Bridgewater and across Tasmania, the start of 2026 had some welcome relief for household budgets, in the form of cheaper medicine. From 1 January, the maximum cost of PBS-listed medicines was reduced to $25, with concession card holders paying no more than $7.70.

For Bridgewater Priceline proprietor Geoff Hope, the change is already noticeable. “At my pharmacy, I see first-hand the impact out-of-pocket prescription costs can have on Tasmanians,” he said. “This latest cut to the cost of medicines will make a real difference for people here in Bridgewater.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White said, “It’s been more than twenty years since prescription medicines cost $25. We’re delivering these savings so no one has to go without the care they need because of cost,” she said.

The price cuts are part of a wider program aimed at strengthening Medicare through cheaper medicines, more bulk billing and new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics.