A key weight-loss medicine could soon be more affordable for Australians living with obesity and heart disease after the government confirmed it will work to list Wegovy on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Health Minister Mark Butler says the move would sharply reduce costs for eligible patients, even as officials warn it could come with a “very big bill for taxpayers.”
Mr Butler confirmed in a statement that Wegovy, a GLP-1 medication similar to Ozempic, is set to be subsidised under the PBS for people who meet specific criteria. It contains semaglutide, a compound that mimics a hormone released after eating, helping you feel fuller and eat less over time.
Who will be eligible under the PBS
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended in late 2025 that Wegovy be subsidised for Australians with severe obesity and existing cardiovascular disease.
That means eligibility will apply to people who have had a heart attack or stroke and have a BMI of 35 or higher.
How much could patients save?
Under current PBS rules, prescription medicines are capped at $25 per script for general patients and $7.70 for pensioners and concession card holders. That applies to all PBS-listed drugs from 1 January 2026.
For people paying out of pocket today, Wegovy can cost hundreds of dollars per month – a bill that adds up to thousands annually. Subsidy through the PBS could therefore represent substantial savings for eligible patients.
When the change will take effect
There is no confirmed date yet for Wegovy’s PBS listing. The government and manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, are engaged in price negotiations, and the timetable will depend on finalising that deal.
Mr Butler has indicated the listing process will proceed ‘soon’, with details to emerge once negotiations conclude.
About 13 per cent of Australian adults are estimated to live with severe obesity – and many face related health risks including heart disease. Subsidising therapies like Wegovy could widen access for people who might otherwise struggle to afford treatment, but as always, check in with your GP or healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you.
