Accessing Treatment Without Medicare

HIV Treatment Without Medicare

Leading by example – HIV treatment is free for everyone living in Queensland

Both the Commonwealth & Queensland Governments are committed to the virtual elimination of HIV transmission by 2030 and supports the achievement of the UNAIDS HIV 95-95-95 targets which seek to ensure that:

• 95 per cent of HIV-positive people know their HIV status
• 95 per cent of people who know their HIV-positive status are on antiretroviral therapy.
• 95 per cent of people on antiretroviral therapy maintain an undetectable viral load to reduce onward transmission.

On World AIDS Day 2021, Commonwealth Health Minister Greg Hunt announced $39 million would be committed over five years to fund access to treatment and care for Medicare ineligible people living with HIV.

On October 3rd, 2023, the Queensland Government introduced initiatives for people with HIV, regardless of their Medicare status, by waiving the co-payment and providing access to antiretroviral medication directly related to their HIV treatment for free.

This program does not include HIV pre–or post–exposure prophylaxis (PrEP or PEP).

Recently moved to Queensland or recently diagnosed?

HIV-related medical care, pathology testing and treatment is available free to Medicare-ineligible people currently residing in Queensland beyond a short-term stay through public health facilities, such as sexual health clinics or public hospital outpatient clinics.

This program cannot be accessed through general practitioners. To see if you qualify for this program, please contact QPP or your local sexual health clinic.

It is important to realise that you are not alone if you have been diagnosed with HIV without an Australian Medicare Card. QPP is available to assist you in navigating your HIV treatment and clinical care needs. QPP offers assistance and support to ALL people living with HIV, whether you are Medicare eligible or not. QPP offers a safe, free and confidential service.

I’ve been in Queensland a while, but don’t have Medicare. What has changed?

Accessing your HIV treatment and care in Queensland continues to remain private and confidential. Unless you are seeing a private clinician, you do not need to change the clinician who is managing your HIV, and you will not experience any break or delay in receiving your HIV medication.

• Access to HIV medication for people who are not eligible for Medicare will be centrally coordinated and dispensed through hospital pharmacies.
• As of 3rd October 2023, the co-payment typically associated with HIV medications will be waived by the Queensland Government for residents of Queensland, regardless of Medicare eligibility.
• Prescriptions must be written by a Queensland Health physician who is authorised to prescribe HIV medications.
• Treatment must be collected from a Queensland Health hospital pharmacy.

QPP has a series of booklets including accessing HIV treatment without Medicare in Queensland and navigating the health system in Australia. A printed set can picked up from our Brisbane office or RAPID clinic in Fortitude Valley, or can be ordered from us for free through our QPP Shop. It can also be read and downloaded to print at home from our The Facts page. These booklets have been translated into a variety of languages.

Need support?

QPP’s also provides financial support for Medicare ineligible people living with HIV, through the Emergency Treatment Fund. If you are finding it difficult to get access to the health care or medications you need to manage your HIV, refer yourself for support, talk to your doctor, or contact us. We are here to help you live well with HIV.

For those who are living with HIV and are seeking advice on Australian Permanent Residency, please contact an Australian Registered Migration Agent. QPP can also provide support in connecting you with services that will help you with general information regarding immigration for HIV-positive people and help with the referral to migration agencies. Get in touch by referring yourself here.

For clinicians supporting HIV-positive people in their Permanent Residency application, please refer to the following resource developed by QPP and ASHM

When Should I Start Treatment?

It is important to discuss all the benefits and risks to starting treatment, and your personal readiness to start treatment with your doctor. Today, most people are recommended to start treatment once a diagnosis is confirmed.

Where Can I Get Treatment?

People living with HIV can get their HIV medication from their local pharmacy, an online pharmacy or a hospital-based pharmacy, whatever suits them better.

How Much Does Treatment Cost?

Treatment for HIV is available throughout Australia at highly subsidised costs for Medicare Card holders, through the PBS.

Drug Resistance & Adherence

HIV drug resistance is caused by changes in the genetic structure of HIV that affect the ability of medicines to work effectively.  Ensuring you are as consistent with your regime as possible reduces this possibility.

Side Effects & Changing Treatment

Modern HIV drugs tend to have minimal side-effects but some side effects can still occur. This is why all changes to your treatment should always be in consultation with your HIV doctor.

Our trained team is here to help you should you have any questions or need support. You can call for free from a Queensland land-line on 1800 636 241 or call (07) 3013 5555 (national). You can also email us or use the contact form or the chat function in the corner of our website.