Improving access to medicines
Safely improving access to more affordable prescriptions for New Zealanders with long-term, stable health conditions.
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Changes to prescriptions — 12-month prescriptions
In 2025, the Minister of Health announced changes to make getting prescription medicines easier and cheaper for New Zealanders with long-term, stable health conditions.
Easier and cheaper prescriptions for Kiwis — Beehive.govt.nz (external link)
From 1 February 2026, people may be able to get prescriptions that last up to 12 months.
People will only need to pay the one prescription co-payment cost when they first collect their medicines and will not pay additional quarterly prescription co-payments for repeats. This will reduce costs and make it easier for people to stay on top of their medications.
These changes are expected to benefit people with stable long-term conditions using medicines.
They are also intended to give prescribers options and flexibility about what is best for their patients. Prescribers are still able to determine the clinically safe and appropriate prescription length for each person.
Resources for pharmacists and prescribers
We have worked with pharmacists, pharmacies and general practice to develop how this change will be rolled out. Guidance and webinar resources for 12-month prescriptions are now available for the sector.
12-month prescriptions guidance (PDF, 1.2 MB) (external link)
Webinar for 12-month prescriptions for prescribers — Health NZ (Vimeo) (external link)
Webinar for 12-month prescriptions for pharmacists — Health NZ (Vimeo) (external link)
If you have questions about 12-month prescriptions, email primary.care@tewhatuora.govt.nz
Messaging for patients
Your patients will have questions about how the changes might impact them. Posters and flyers are being shared with pharmacies and general practices for display and sharing with the public.
Download, print and display these public facing resources.
Changes to your prescription length (A5 flyer) — HealthEd (external link)
Changes to your prescription length (A4 poster) — HealthEd (external link)
You can also direct people to Health NZ for more information on prescriptions.
A public advertising campaign will also follow.