Nicotine replacement drugs will be listed for subsidy on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in the new year.
Two new lower-strength nicotine patches – 14 and seven milligrams – will be partly funded by the government in their bid to crack down against people smoking.
The higher strength patches are already listed on the scheme making them affordable for heavy smokers.
“The listing of nicotine patches on the PBS has cut the price of patches down to just $5.80 a month for concessional patients or $35.40 a month for general patients,” Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said.
