Project Summary

The aim of this project is to provide policy-makers with new evidence on how PBS policy levers can deliver targeted approaches to protect patients from the high cost of healthcare in a way that is efficient and offers taxpayers value for money. In particular, our research will provide important insights into the role that current concession card and PBS SafetyNet entitlements and eligibility rules play in delivering financial access to healthcare for vulnerable populations (e.g. poor health and low-income families). In doing so, our research will inform policy-makers about new approaches to protect vulnerable populations effectively and efficiently.

Project Date

Sep 2022 - Dec 2025

Investigators

Project Lead

Peyman Firouzi-Naeim headshot

Peyman Firouzi-Naeim

Research fellow

Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), University of Technology Sydney

Collaborators

Prof Sallie Pearson - UNSW Sydney

Dr Jane Hall - University of Technology Sydney

Samuel Vigours - University of Technology Sydney

Research Question

What impact do policy instruments, primarily the concession card and PBS SafetyNet, have on access to medicines and patient out-of-pocket costs?

Data Sources

Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study linked to PBS claims data

Policy Implications

Our research will inform policy-makers about new approaches to protect vulnerable populations effectively and efficiently.

End Users

  • Academic peers
  • Policy-makers

Impact

Accepted for presentation at the Australasian Workshop on Econometrics and Health Economics (April 2024).