Government osteoporosis funding and support
The Prime Minister has announced a $225 million funding boost for
osteoporosis treatment.
From April 2007 osteoporosis drugs Fosamax and Alendro will go on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, benefiting an esimtated 40,000 elderly sufferers .
Medicare will also be extended to cover the cost of bone mineral density tests for over 70s who suffer from osteoporosis. These tests can cost from $30 to $120 without rebates.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has estimated the annual
cost of osteoporosis treatment at $221 million, and it is one of the most common chronic conditions facing Australians.
