Kiwis will soon be able to get 12-month prescriptions for medicines, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour revealed as part of today’s Budget.
Currently, doctors and prescribers can write scripts for most medicines only for a maximum of three months, meaning patients must pay their GP for a follow-up appointment or to issue a repeat.
“This creates unnecessary barriers for patients on stable, long-term medications like asthma inhalers, insulin for diabetes, and blood pressure tablets. It means added costs for patients and more paperwork for health professionals, taking time away from patients with more urgent or complex needs,” Brown said.
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“From the first quarter of 2026, prescribers will be able to issue prescriptions for up to 12 months if it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so.
“While patients will still collect their medication from a pharmacy every three months, they will no longer need to return to their doctor for a new prescription each time.”
It could potentially save patients up to $105 a year in GP fees, Brown said.
Budget 2025 has allocated $91 million over four years to support the change – covering the cost of the extra medicine that is expected to be dispensed.
Seymour said the change was “just common sense”.
“I’m pleased to see the Government’s responsiveness to the voices of patients and their families by expanding access to more medicines for more groups. This decision reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centred approach.”