If you're a woman living in Mitcham, there's some fantastic news heading your way. Australia's groundbreaking $573.3 million women's health package is already delivering real savings to families across the country – and you might be eligible for support that could save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars each year.
The best part? Many of these services are now accessible right here in Mitcham through qualified healthcare providers like the team at Inspire Health and Medical. Let's break down exactly what this package means for you, your family, and your bank account.
The Big Picture: What's Actually Included
This isn't just another government announcement that sounds good on paper. The women's health package represents the largest investment in women's health in Australia's history, with real, tangible benefits that started rolling out in March 2025.
The package targets the areas where women have been paying the most out-of-pocket: contraception, menopause management, reproductive health procedures, and specialised women's health assessments. For many women in Mitcham, this translates to genuine financial relief at a time when every dollar counts.
Your Contraceptive Costs Could Drop by $350 This Year
One of the most immediate benefits affects women using Yaz or Yasmin contraceptive pills. These are now available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the first time in over 30 years.
Before the package: Women were paying around $380 annually for these medications
Now: General patients pay $126.40 per year, while concession card holders pay just $30.80
That's a saving of approximately $250-350 per year for around 50,000 Australian women. If you've been putting off switching to these more suitable options because of cost, now's the time to speak with a general practitioner in Mitcham about whether they're right for you.
Menopause Support That Won't Break the Bank
For women navigating menopause or perimenopause, the financial burden has been particularly challenging. Three hormone therapies – Estrogel Pro, Estrogel, and Prometrium – are now PBS-listed, marking the first new menopausal treatments added to the scheme in over 20 years.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Previous annual cost: Around $650
- New annual cost: $92.40 for general patients, $92.40 for concession card holders
- Your potential savings: $540-600 per year
This change affects over 100,000 Australian women, with around 150,000 women expected to benefit overall. The psychological impact of having affordable access to effective menopause treatment can't be understated either – many women find that addressing physical symptoms significantly improves their mental wellbeing.
Long-Acting Contraception Just Became More Accessible
If you've been considering an IUD or contraceptive implant but worried about the upfront costs, the increased Medicare rebates make these options much more affordable. The rebates have increased by up to 150%, potentially saving you up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.
These procedures require skilled insertion and removal, which is why it's important to work with experienced practitioners. At Inspire Health and Medical, our team can guide you through the process and help you understand exactly what you'll pay after the Medicare rebate.
Revolutionary Menopause Health Assessments
Starting from July 1, 2025, comprehensive menopause health assessments will attract Medicare rebates. Previously, these detailed consultations could cost hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket, often putting them beyond reach for many women.
These assessments aren't just about prescribing hormone therapy. They include:
- Comprehensive symptom evaluation
- Risk assessment for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
- Mental health screening
- Lifestyle and dietary guidance
- Personalised treatment planning
The psychological benefits of having access to specialised menopause care often extend far beyond the physical symptoms. Many women report feeling validated and supported for the first time in their menopause journey.
Accessing These Services in Mitcham
Here's where it gets practical. To access these benefits in Mitcham, you'll want to work with healthcare providers who understand both the new package benefits and your individual health needs.
Your pathway typically looks like this:
- Start with a GP consultation: Book with a general practitioner in Mitcham who can assess your eligibility and refer you to appropriate services
- Consider integrated care: Many women benefit from combined approaches that address both physical and mental health aspects
- Access specialist services: For complex cases, you might need referrals to specialists or multidisciplinary teams
At Inspire Health and Medical, we take a holistic approach to women's health. Our team includes experienced GPs who stay current with PBS listings and Medicare changes, plus psychologists in Mitcham who understand how physical health challenges impact mental wellbeing.
The Mental Health Connection
What often gets overlooked in discussions about women's health packages is the profound connection between physical symptoms and mental health. Untreated menopause symptoms, contraceptive side effects, and chronic conditions like endometriosis can significantly impact anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life.
The financial stress of paying for expensive treatments adds another layer of burden. When you can access affordable, effective physical health treatment, it often creates space for addressing mental health needs too.
Our integrated approach at Inspire Health and Medical means you can access both your PBS-subsidised treatments and psychological support in one location, making your care more convenient and coordinated.
Practical Steps to Get Started
This week:
- Check if you're currently paying full price for Yaz, Yasmin, or menopausal hormone therapies
- Book a review appointment with your GP to discuss PBS options
- If you're experiencing menopause symptoms, ask about the new health assessment rebates
This month:
- If you're considering long-acting contraception, get a cost estimate including the new higher Medicare rebates
- For complex women's health concerns, consider whether integrated care with both medical and psychological support might benefit you
Ongoing:
- Stay informed about additional services rolling out, including the new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics
- From early 2026, concession card holders will access free pharmacist consultations for uncomplicated UTIs
Why Location Matters for Your Care
Choosing healthcare providers in Mitcham offers several advantages beyond convenience. Local practitioners understand the community's specific needs, have established referral networks, and can provide continuity of care that's particularly important for ongoing conditions like menopause or chronic pain.
At Inspire Health and Medical, we've built strong relationships with specialists across Melbourne's eastern suburbs, ensuring you can access the full range of services covered by the women's health package without travelling far from home.
Looking Ahead: More Changes Coming
The women's health package isn't a one-time announcement. Additional services are rolling out through 2026, with some dependent on future government decisions. Staying connected with a healthcare provider who monitors these changes ensures you won't miss out on new benefits as they become available.
The establishment of new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics represents a particularly significant development for women who've struggled to find effective treatment for these complex conditions.
Your Next Steps
The women's health package represents a genuine opportunity to access better healthcare while saving significant money. Whether you're dealing with contraceptive costs, menopause symptoms, or considering long-acting contraception, these changes could make a real difference to both your health and your budget.
To find out exactly how much you could save and which services you're eligible for, book a consultation with our team at Inspire Health and Medical. We'll review your current treatments, explain your options under the new package, and help you develop a plan that supports both your health and financial wellbeing.
Your health matters, and now it's more affordable than ever to prioritise it. Why not take the first step today?
This information is current as of October 2025 and is intended for general guidance only. Individual eligibility for PBS medications and Medicare rebates may vary. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers about your specific circumstances. Some services mentioned are subject to government implementation timelines and may change based on future policy decisions.
