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Since January 2024, Austrians have been paying €7.10 for their prescription medication at the pharmacy. This price has already risen in the previous year; the next increase is due in January 2025.
Prescription fees in Austria have risen from 6.85 to 7.10 euros from 2023 to 2024. This increase is automatic and annual, as the umbrella organization of social insurance providers explained. “These are subject to a legal regulation in the General Social Insurance Act (ASVG) and are automatically increased on January 1st,” says press spokeswoman Caroline Göschl.
The revaluation figure determines the amount of the prescription fee increase
“According to legal regulations, the prescription fee increase is calculated using the so-called revaluation figure. This is based on the change in the average contribution base in pension insurance and is to be announced by the Federal Minister in an ordinance,” Göschl continues. According to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), the expected value of this revaluation figure will be 1.063 in 2025.
What is the revaluation figure?
The revaluation figure for 2025 is based on the change in the average contribution base in pension insurance and is to be announced by the Federal Minister in an ordinance. It is determined by the ratio of the average contribution base in 2023 to that in 2022.
How high will the prescription fee possibly be in 2025?
Suppose we now calculate the new prescription fees using this expected revaluation figure. In that case, we arrive at a new price of over EUR 7.50, which Austrians will have to pay for prescription medicines in pharmacies starting in January.
In which cases is the prescription fee waived?
According to Göschl, the prescription fee can be waived in certain cases. “In principle, the prescription fee is waived for notifiable, communicable diseases. In addition, the income level determines whether a prescription fee is charged or not,” says the press officer. Accordingly, people with low income who receive an equalization allowance are exempt. “Exemption can also be granted on application for certain income limits,” says Göschl.
When does the prescription fee cap apply?
There is also an upper limit for prescription fees: “People who need a lot of medication and have a low income will be noticeably relieved. An account of the prescription fees paid is kept for each insured person. These are compared with the net income. As soon as the total prescription fees paid in a calendar year reach two percent of the annual net income, an exemption is automatically granted for the remainder of the calendar year without the need for an application. The insured person then no longer has to pay prescription charges at the pharmacy,” Göschl concludes.
What is the prescription fee?
The doctor prescribes medication electronically via an e-prescription. When you receive the medication, you only have to pay a deductible for the prescription fee (per pack); the remaining costs are covered by ÖGK. If the medication is cheaper than the prescription fee, you only pay the lower price. In certain cases, insured persons can be exempted from the prescription fee.
Who is exempt from the prescription fee?
In principle, there is an exemption from the prescription fee for notifiable, communicable diseases. People on a low income who receive a compensatory allowance are also exempt from the fee, and an exemption can also be granted on application for certain income limits. People who have already spent two percent of their annual net income on medication in a calendar year are also exempt from the prescription fee for the rest of the year.
How can I be exempt from the prescription fee?
You can apply for a prescription fee exemption online, in person, or by post. Information on how to apply can be found here.
Is there an upper limit for the prescription fee?
Yes, there is an upper limit for prescription fees. This is two percent of your annual net income. If you spend so much on medication that it exceeds two percent of your annual net income, you are automatically exempt for the rest of the calendar year without applying.
- source: 5minuten.at/picture: Image by Hayleybarcar from Pixabay
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