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Medicare ineligibles

Unfortunately, there are many people legally living in Australia who do not qualify for access to Medicare or the PBS[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. – known as ‘Medicare ineligibles’. Many overseas students fall into this category; as do many people who are here on working visas and the partners of Australian residents who are waiting for a decision to be made about their own permanent residency.

NAPWA believes everyone should be able to access HIV treatments, regardless of their citizenship or residency status. We are advocating to the Australian government for reform in this area.

Key resources

How to access HIV antiretroviral treatment and care in Australia
Medicare card

This fact sheet explains the eligibility requirements for accessing subsidised HIV treatments in Australia under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs., and provides useful information for people who do not qualify.

Simple guide to HIV treatment and care for non-nationals

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 11 June 2010

In association with the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHMAustralasian Society for HIV Medicine. The peak Australasian organisation representing the medical and health sector in HIV/AIDS and related areas. ), NAPWA has developed a simple step-by-step guide for overseas visitors and new residents living with HIV. read more »

If you are thinking about visiting Australia

From How to access HIV antiretroviral treatment and care in Australia • 1 May 2010

Can I come to Australia if I am HIV-positive? What steps do I need to take to stay on my HIV treatments and access medical treatment in Australia if I need it? read more »

How to access HIV antiretroviral treatment and care in Australia

Resource • 1 May 2010

This fact sheet explains the eligibility requirements for accessing subsidised HIV treatments in Australia under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs., and provides useful information for people who do not qualify. read more »

Submission to Inquiry into the Migration Treatment of Disability

Submission • Peter Canavan • 12 March 2010

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, have asked the Joint Standing Committee on Migration to undertake an inquiry relating to the health requirement in the Migration Act. NAPWA has made a Submission to this enquiry. read more »

World AIDS Day: 
‘We are living our rights’

Media release • 30 November 2009

State and federal governments should make a clear commitment to reforming laws that discriminate against HIV-positive people, state and national organisations representing people living with HIV have said. read more »

The people we won't treat

Positive Living article • David Menadue • 20 August 2009

Trotting into a hospital pharmacy for regular supplies of antiretroviralsA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. is something many of us take for granted. David Menadue investigates why there are positive people among us who do not have this luxury. read more »

More ineligible for Medicare

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 5 June 2009

There are a growing number of positive people legally living in Australia who do not have access to Medicare, including subsidised antiretroviralsA medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV. through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme[Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme] The federal government program which subsidises medication costs in Australia. Anti-HIV drugs are part of a special part of the PBS called Section 100 (S100) which is used for expensive, highly specialised drugs. (PBS). read more »

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