Managing the Cost of Melanoma

The Australian Government recently released the 2026-27 PBS/NIP Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS). While this report does not change the cost of medicines or directly affect patient access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), it explains how the government funds the process used to assess and list medicines on the PBS. Understanding how the PBS operates can help patients and families make the most of available supports, including lower prescription costs and the PBS Safety Net.  

With the release of the CRIS, we thought it was timely to let you know about/remind you of some of the resources/schemes that may be available to you. 

Lower PBS Costs for Patients

From 1 January 2026, the maximum PBS co-payment for general patients was reduced to $25.00 per prescription, down from $31.60. For concession card holders, the maximum PBS co-payment remains $7.70 per prescription and is frozen until 2030. Patients may still need to pay any applicable brand premiums, but these changes make PBS medicines significantly more affordable for many Australians.  

For people affected by melanoma, who may require medications to manage treatment side effects, other health conditions, or long-term survivorship care, these savings can make a meaningful difference over time. 

PBS-Listed Immunotherapy Treatments for Melanoma

For many people with advanced melanoma, immunotherapy has significantly improved treatment outcomes. Several immunotherapy medicines used to treat melanoma are listed on the PBS, helping to reduce the cost of treatment for eligible patients. 

PBS-listed immunotherapy treatments for melanoma include: 

• Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) 

• Nivolumab (Opdivo®) 

• Ipilimumab (Yervoy®) 

• Nivolumab + Relatlimab (Opdualag®) 

PBS eligibility and prescribing criteria can vary depending on the stage of melanoma and individual circumstances. Patients should discuss treatment options and eligibility with their treating specialist. 

To learn more about melanoma treatments, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery and radiation therapy, visit Melanoma Patients Australia’s Treatment of Melanoma (Cutaneous) page

The PBS Safety Net

One of the most valuable and often overlooked PBS benefits is the PBS Safety Net. 

The PBS Safety Net is designed to help people who require multiple prescriptions throughout the year. Once you reach the annual Safety Net threshold, your PBS medicines become significantly cheaper for the remainder of that calendar year. In many cases, concession card holders can receive PBS medicines at no cost once they reach the threshold.  

This can provide substantial savings for individuals and families managing ongoing healthcare needs. 

Family Linking Can Help You Reach the Safety Net Faster

Many Australians are unaware that families can combine their PBS medicine spending. 

If more than one member of your household uses PBS medicines, ask your pharmacist about linking your family for PBS Safety Net purposes. Combining eligible prescription costs can help families reach the Safety Net threshold sooner and access reduced medicine costs earlier in the year.

Keep Track of Your Prescriptions

To ensure your PBS spending is accurately counted toward the Safety Net, consider: 

• Using the same pharmacy whenever possible. 

• Keeping your prescription receipts. 

• Asking your pharmacist to confirm your PBS records are up to date. 

• Ensuring eligible family members are linked for Safety Net purposes. 

Good record keeping can help ensure you receive your Safety Net benefits as soon as you become eligible. 

Looking Beyond Medication Costs

Lower PBS co-payments and the PBS Safety Net can help reduce the cost of prescription medicines, but medications are only one part of the financial impact of melanoma. 

Many patients and families experience financial toxicity: the financial stress caused by the direct and indirect costs of cancer, such as medical appointments, travel, accommodation, parking, time away from work and lost income. Financial pressure can affect quality of life and add to the challenges of living with and beyond melanoma.  

Melanoma Patients Australia can help. If you’re concerned about the financial impact of melanoma, our team can provide information about available support services and connect you with relevant resources and organisations. We encourage anyone experiencing financial stress related to their diagnosis, treatment or follow-up care to contact the MPA Melanoma Support Line on 1300 884 450 or make an online referral here for guidance and support. 

The Cancer Council Financial Assistance Service can also provide information and practical support, including financial counselling, transport and accommodation assistance, Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) information, Centrelink guidance and other financial support options. Patients and carers can contact Cancer Council on 13 11 20 or visit: https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/financial-assistance.  

Remember, financial concerns are an important part of your care. Raising them early with your healthcare team, melanoma nurse, social worker or support organisation can help you access support sooner and reduce some of the stress associated with melanoma. 

For more information about the PBS visit these websites

1. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 2026-27 PBS/NIP Cost Recovery Implementation Statement Announcement. 30 June 2026. https://www.pbs.gov.au/news/2026/06/2026-27-pbs-nip-cost-recovery-implementation-statement  
2. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Cost Recovery Fees and Charges. https://www.pbs.gov.au/industry/listing/elements/fees-and-charges  
3. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. PBS Co-payments: Cheaper Medicines. https://www.health.gov.au/cheaper-medicines/pbs-co-payments  
4. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). What are the Current Patient Fees and Charges? https://www.pbs.gov.au/about/what-is-the-pbs/what-are-the-current-patient-fees-and-charges  
5. PBS Safety Net thresholds. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/pbs-safety-net-thresholds?context=22016 
6. Cancer Council Australia. Financial Costs and Assistance. https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/financial-assistance  

No One Needs to Face Melanoma Alone

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, recovering from surgery, managing side effects, or adjusting to life after treatment, support is available. 

Melanoma Nurses work alongside healthcare teams to ensure patients receive not only expert clinical care but also the emotional, practical, and informational support needed to navigate the challenges of melanoma. 

If you or a person you care for has been affected by melanoma, consider speaking with your healthcare team about available nursing support or contacting Melanoma Patients Australia to learn more about its free specialist Telehealth Nurse Service. 

• Call the National Melanoma Support Line 1300 884 450
• Book a referral for a Melanoma Nurse Telehealth appointment
• Speak with our Melanoma Nurse Counsellor
• Join a Melanoma Patients Australia Support Group

Like this blog? Head to Melanoma Patients Australia News & Events to read more.