CANBERRA. AUSTRALIA January 1, 2026 – As the nation ushers in the new year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled two major healthcare initiatives aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and bolstering access to medical services. In a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter) on New Year’s Eve, Albanese declared the immediate rollout of the 1800 Medicare hotline and a reduction in the cost of everyday medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to $25—the lowest price in over two decades.
The announcement comes amid ongoing economic challenges, with the government emphasizing its commitment to “helping with the cost of living and strengthening Medicare.” The 1800 Medicare service, now live, provides every Australian with access to after-hours telehealth advice, allowing individuals to seek medical guidance outside regular business hours without needing to visit a doctor in person. “From today, 1-800-MEDICARE is live, giving every Australian access to advice on after-hours telehealth when they need it,” Albanese stated in the video, set against a vibrant backdrop of yellow wattle flowers symbolizing national unity.
In addition, the PBS price drop targets common prescriptions, reducing the maximum co-payment to $25 per script. Albanese highlighted this as a significant relief measure, noting it marks the lowest rate in more than 20 years. “And everyday medicines on the PBS just dropped to $25—the lowest price in more than twenty years,” he added, underscoring the move as part of broader efforts to make healthcare more affordable.
The Prime Minister concluded his message on an optimistic note, wishing Australians a “safe and happy start to the new year” while affirming that “there’s more to do and we’ll keep delivering.” The video, which has garnered over 10,000 views, 362 likes, and sparked hundreds of replies, reflects the government’s push to prioritize health amid post-pandemic recovery and inflation concerns.
Public reaction on X has been mixed, with some users praising the initiatives as timely support, while others criticized the government for perceived shortcomings in broader policy areas. One reply from user @NRLSilverback quipped, “And what about 1800-RESIGN?” echoing calls for accountability. Another, from @LoyalistAussie, pointed to alleged NDIS fraud, stating, “How about your government allowing all the NDIS fraud? Especially in Tony Burke’s electorate.” Conservative voices like @QBCCIntegrity accused the announcement of being “endless lies” and a “stupid waste of taxpayers money,” while @Tardedsexual posted a meme calling for Albanese’s resignation.
Supporters, however, see the moves as practical steps forward. Health experts have long advocated for expanded telehealth services, especially in rural and remote areas where access to GPs can be limited. The PBS adjustment aligns with Labor’s election promises to cap medicine costs, potentially saving families hundreds of dollars annually on essential drugs.
This announcement builds on previous reforms, including bulk-billing incentives and urgent care clinics introduced in recent years. As Australia grapples with an aging population and rising healthcare demands, the 1800 Medicare hotline could serve as a critical lifeline, reducing emergency department wait times and promoting preventive care.
For more details, Australians can call 1800 Medicare directly or visit the official Medicare website. The government has not yet released specific metrics on expected usage or funding allocations, but further updates are anticipated in the coming weeks.
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