Diabetics pay thousands of dollars a year for drug still not on the PBS
By Menshly Wellness Desk | Apr 28, 2026
Introduction to Diabetes and its Economic Burden
Diabetes is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects millions of people worldwide, with the number of cases expected to rise significantly in the coming years. In Australia, the disease has become a major health concern, with over 1.3 million people living with diabetes. The economic burden of diabetes is substantial, with the total annual cost of the disease estimated to be over $14 billion. A significant portion of this cost is attributed to the high cost of medications, particularly for those that are not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). In this article, we will discuss the issue of diabetics paying thousands of dollars a year for a drug that is still not on the PBS, and its impact on their longevity in 2026.
The Problem of Access to Affordable Medications
For people living with diabetes, access to affordable medications is crucial for managing their condition and preventing complications. However, many Australians with diabetes are struggling to access the medications they need due to the high cost. One drug in particular, which has been shown to be highly effective in managing type 2 diabetes, is still not listed on the PBS. This means that patients who require this medication must pay the full cost out of pocket, which can be thousands of dollars per year. This is a significant burden for many people, particularly those on low incomes or with limited savings. The high cost of this medication is not only a financial strain but also a barrier to accessing the care that people with diabetes need to manage their condition and prevent complications.
Impact on Longevity in 2026
The lack of access to affordable medications, including the drug that is still not on the PBS, can have a significant impact on the longevity of people with diabetes in 2026. If people with diabetes are unable to access the medications they need, they may experience poorer health outcomes, including increased rates of complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness. These complications can significantly reduce a person's quality of life and life expectancy. Furthermore, the financial burden of paying for medications out of pocket can also have a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing, which can further exacerbate the physical health consequences of diabetes. In 2026, it is estimated that the number of people living with diabetes will continue to rise, and the lack of access to affordable medications will become an even more significant issue.
The Role of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a vital program that provides subsidized access to medications for millions of Australians. The scheme is designed to ensure that people have access to the medications they need to manage their health conditions, regardless of their financial situation. However, the scheme is not perfect, and there are many medications, including the drug that is still not listed, that are not subsidized. The PBS listing process is complex and involves a range of stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, medical professionals, and government agencies. The process can be slow and unpredictable, which can leave patients waiting for years for a medication to be listed. In the case of the drug that is still not on the PBS, the delay in listing has had a significant impact on the lives of people with diabetes, who are forced to pay thousands of dollars per year for a medication that they desperately need.
Advocacy and Awareness
There are many organizations and advocacy groups that are working to raise awareness about the issue of access to affordable medications for people with diabetes. These groups are pushing for the government to take action to list the drug that is still not on the PBS, and to improve the overall accessibility and affordability of medications for people with diabetes. Individuals can also play a role in advocating for change by contacting their local members of parliament and expressing their concerns about the issue. By raising awareness and advocating for change, it is possible to create a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system that provides access to the medications that people need to manage their health conditions.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of diabetics paying thousands of dollars a year for a drug that is still not on the PBS is a significant concern that affects the longevity of people with diabetes in 2026. The lack of access to affordable medications can have a range of negative consequences, including poorer health outcomes, increased rates of complications, and a reduced quality of life. The PBS plays a critical role in providing subsidized access to medications, but the scheme is not perfect, and there are many medications that are not listed. Advocacy and awareness are key to creating change and improving access to affordable medications for people with diabetes. By working together, we can create a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system that provides access to the medications that people need to manage their health conditions and live long and healthy lives.
Recommendations for Improvement
To address the issue of diabetics paying thousands of dollars a year for a drug that is still not on the PBS, we recommend that the government take immediate action to list the medication on the PBS. This would provide subsidized access to the medication for people with diabetes, reducing the financial burden and improving health outcomes. We also recommend that the government review the PBS listing process to ensure that it is efficient and effective, and that medications are listed in a timely manner. Additionally, we recommend that pharmaceutical companies be encouraged to submit their medications for PBS listing, and that medical professionals be involved in the listing process to ensure that the medications that are listed are safe and effective. By working together, we can improve access to affordable medications and create a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system.
Future Directions
Looking to the future, it is clear that the issue of access to affordable medications will continue to be a significant concern for people with diabetes. As the population ages and the prevalence of diabetes increases, the demand for medications will also increase. To meet this demand, it is essential that the government and other stakeholders work together to improve access to affordable medications. This may involve exploring new models of healthcare delivery, such as online consultations and medication management programs, as well as investing in research and development to improve our understanding of diabetes and its treatment. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system that provides access to the medications that people need to manage their health conditions and live long and healthy lives.
Long-Term Sustainability
Finally, it is essential that we consider the long-term sustainability of our healthcare system. As the population ages and the prevalence of diabetes increases, the cost of healthcare will also increase. To ensure that our healthcare system is sustainable in the long term, it is essential that we take a proactive approach to managing the cost of medications. This may involve negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of medications, as well as exploring alternative models of healthcare delivery that can reduce costs while improving health outcomes. By taking a proactive approach to managing the cost of medications, we can ensure that our healthcare system is sustainable in the long term and that people with diabetes have access to the medications they need to manage their condition and live long and healthy lives.
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