A recent analysis reveals that Australians are spending over $1.2 billion annually on the treatment of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This financial burden is shared between patients, who cover approximately 40% of the costs through out-of-pocket expenses, and taxpayers, who subsidize the remaining 60% through government funding and industry contracts.
The study, published in The Medical Journal of Australia, highlights that pharmacy fees for dispensing and handling medications account for about half of the total expenditure, amounting to $611 million, or 51%. General practitioner (GP) appointments contribute 29% of the costs, totaling $342 million, while purchasing medications from manufacturers accounts for 18%, equating to $221 million during the 2021/22 financial year. Additional costs arise from wholesaler fees and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
High blood pressure remains the leading risk factor for mortality in Australia, significantly contributing to heart attacks and strokes. Often asymptomatic, hypertension frequently goes unnoticed but can be effectively managed through medication and lifestyle changes.
Professor Anthony Rodgers, the lead author of the study and a Professional Fellow in the Cardiovascular Program at The George Institute for Global Health, emphasized the importance of this analysis in understanding the financial implications of Australia’s hypertension crisis. He stated, “Our analysis provides a real-world snapshot of the scale of spending on the problem and who exactly is footing the bill. This information can help decision-makers develop more affordable and equitable treatment pathways.”
Rodgers noted two key observations from the findings: a significant portion of costs is incurred through pharmacies, and patients bear an unfair share of these expenses. He pointed out that while some consumers benefit from concession systems, those with lower incomes often face tough choices regarding medication and healthcare appointments. This situation poses risks to their health and hinders efforts to achieve better blood pressure control in Australia.
The estimates presented in this study were made prior to the introduction of a 60-day prescribing program by the Australian Government in 2023. However, due to slow uptake among patients, they have yet to fully experience the benefits of this initiative.
Rodgers concluded by stressing the need for further policy interventions aimed at reducing patients’ out-of-pocket expenses related to hypertension treatment.
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