Released 04/07/2018
ACT cancer patients will receive more financial support during their chemotherapy treatments, with the ACT Government delivering on our commitment to meet the cost of chemotherapy medication co-payments.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris has been talking to patients and their families about the financial hardship associated with cancer treatment. What we have heard is that at a time when ACT patients should be focused on their treatment, these costs can add an extra layer of burden on them and their families.
The ACT Government is committed to supporting our public health system, and making treatments such as chemotherapy accessible and affordable to those that need it.
Work is underway to have this in place by the end of July 2018. From this time, patients will no longer be charged directly. The estimated annual cost for this initiative is about $1 million.
The Government acknowledges the advocacy of local families who have found the time and energy to campaign for this change on behalf of other cancer patients in the ACT while going through their own personal journeys.
The ACT Government will continue to work with the Commonwealth Government to seek ways to support the affordable provision of chemotherapy drugs to people with cancer in the ACT.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases