Australian women will soon have better access to affordable contraceptive options thanks to the Australian Government’s landmark women’s health package. From 1 November 2025, NuvaRing ® will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), expanding choices and reducing out-of-pocket costs for many patients. The vaginal ring releases a combination of estrogen and progestogen to prevent ovulation and is designed for monthly use, providing an alternative to daily oral contraceptives.
Cost implications and access
Prior to NuvaRing®’s PBS listing, many women faced annual costs exceeding $270. With the listing, the cost per script drops to $31.60, or $7.70 for concessional patients, with each script covering a three-month supply. Beginning 1 January 2026, the government policy specifies a maximum of $25 per script, further easing ongoing expenses for users. In 2024, approximately 44,500 patients accessed a comparable PBS-listed contraceptive.
Broader reforms for long-acting options
On the same timeline, changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) will enhance affordability for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and birth control implants. These reforms are expected to benefit around 300,000 women each year, reducing out-of-pocket costs by as much as $400 per person.
Workforce and service delivery
The Australian Government is also funding free training for health practitioners in IUD insertion and removal to increase the number of qualified providers and improve access to services. Additionally, a 40 percent bulk-billing incentive will be introduced to encourage health professionals to deliver long-acting contraception services and support broader contraceptive choice for women.
Funding and policy context
These measures are part of the Government’s Women’s Health Package, which allocates nearly $800 million to improve health care for women and girls. The policy package emphasizes genuine choice in reproductive health, aiming to reduce barriers related to cost and access.
Statements from key ministers
Minister Gallagher emphasized that the reforms are about providing real choice in reproductive health and reducing cost- and access-related barriers. He noted that these changes help women take control of their health and futures, describing the package as a practical reform that makes a meaningful difference in women’s lives.
Minister Butler highlighted historical sidelining of women’s health needs and framed the reforms as expanding choice, reducing costs, and improving care. He pointed to Australia’s relatively low uptake of LARCs and stated that the reforms will remove barriers to enable women to select the most suitable contraception.
Assistant Minister White stressed that affordable contraception is essential for informed health decisions. He framed the package as a shift in how women’s health is treated—moving from an afterthought to a priority—and underscored ongoing efforts to ensure access to necessary care.
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