On February 7th 2025, the Albanese government announced a $573.3 million funding package aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in women’s health services. This comprehensive reform package represents the largest investment in women’s healthcare in decades, with specific focus on menopause care, contraception accessibility, and specialist services. 

Menopause-Specific Reforms 

Confirmed & Taking Effect on March 1, 2025  

These are definite and do not depend on the election. 

PBS Listing for New Menopausal Hormone Therapies (MHTs) 

• Estradiol ( Estrogel®), Progesterone ( Prometrium®), and Estradiol + Progesterone ( Estrogel® Pro) will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 

• 150,000 women annually who currently pay up to $670 a year will save up to $290 per year (or $577 with a concession card). 

Election Promises 

These are dependent on Labor’s Re-Election post-May 2025 

Medicare Rebate for Menopause Health Assessments (From July 1, 2025) 

• A new Medicare rebate will be introduced for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause, allowing them to access specialist support via their GP. 

National Menopause Clinical Guidelines & Health Professional Training 

• The first-ever national menopause clinical guidelines will be developed. 

• Healthcare professionals will receive additional menopause and perimenopause training to improve patient care. 

National Menopause Awareness Campaign 

• A public health campaign will be launched to help women have better-informed discussions with their doctors about menopause treatment options. 

Expansion of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics to Treat Menopause 

• 11 new clinics will be opened. 

• All 33 existing clinics will expand their services to provide specialist menopause care. 

Other Women’s Health Reforms 

Confirmed & Taking Effect on March 1, 2025  

These are definite and do not depend on the election. 

PBS Listing for New Contraceptive Pills (First in 30+ Years) 

• Yaz® and Yasmin® will be subsidised under the PBS, reducing costs for 50,000 women annually. 

• Women who currently pay $380 per year will now pay $126.40 per year ($30.80 with a concession card). 

Election Promises 

These are dependent on Labor’s Re-Election post-May 2025 

Increased Medicare Rebates for Long-Term Contraceptives 

• Medicare rebates for IUDs and implants will increase by up to 150%, ensuring more bulk billing. 

• 300,000 women annually will save up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs. 

Pharmacy-Based Contraceptives & UTI Treatments (Starting Early 2026) 

• 250,000 concession cardholders will be able to consult a trained pharmacist for free for uncomplicated UTIs and receive contraceptives directly at pharmacies. 

• If medication is required, they will only pay the usual medicine cost. 

2024 Senate Community Affairs References Committee Inquiry 

For too long, menopause has been underfunded, under-researched, and misunderstood in healthcare and workplaces alike. In 2024, the Senate Community Affairs References Committee conducted an inquiry into the economic, medical, and workplace impacts of menopause and perimenopause in Australia . This inquiry gathered testimonies from women, medical experts, and researchers, leading to 25 key recommendations aimed at improving menopause care, awareness, and workforce participation. 

This $573.3 million package over 5 years addresses several of the Senate inquiry’s recommendations, including: 

Recommendation 2: National menopause awareness campaign to improve public understanding. 

Recommendation 12: Increase funding for continuing professional development (CPD) for medical practitioners on menopause. 

Recommendation 14: Review existing Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item numbers to ensure consultations for menopause are adequately covered. 

Recommendation 18: Ensure MHT items are affordable and accessible by expanding PBS listings. 

Recommendation 21: Expand women’s health facilities to provide multidisciplinary menopause care.

A Step Forward, But More Work to Do

At Emsee, we welcome these reforms as a huge win for women’s health. The PBS listing of key menopause medications and Medicare support for specialist consultations will make care more accessible and affordable for hundreds of thousands of women. 

However, this is just the beginning. There is still urgent work needed including: 

• Guarantee every doctor is trained in menopause care.  

• Ensuring equitable and inclusive access to quality healthcare for all women regardless of location, socio-economic status, race etc.  

• Fund research on diverse menopause experiences. 

For too long, women have been told to “just deal with it.” Now, menopause is finally getting the recognition and support it deserves—but we won’t stop pushing for a future where every woman has access to the care and information she needs. 

The conversation has started. Now, let’s keep the momentum going.