Improving access to medicines

The Government has announced changes to safely make prescriptions easier to access and more affordable for New Zealanders with long-term, stable health conditions.

12-month prescriptions put money in patients' pockets — Beehive.govt.nz (external link)

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.

These changes are intended to give prescribers options and flexibility about what is best for their patients. Prescribers are still able to determine the clinically appropriate prescription length for each patient.

People will only need to pay the one pharmacy dispensing co-payment cost when they first collect their medicines, and will not pay additional co-payment dispensing fees 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.

These changes are also intended to give prescribers options and flexibility about what is best for their patients. Prescribers are still able to determine the clinically appropriate prescription length for each person.

We are now working with the pharmacists, pharmacies and general practice to develop how this change will be rolled out. That includes:

• Any required updates to digital systems and payment processes where required
• Providing clear guidance and support to pharmacies and prescribers
• Planning a public awareness campaign for later this year.

We will share more information in the coming months so everyone, including the public, prescribers, and pharmacies, knows what to expect and how it will work.

For now, nothing has changed. Prescriptions are still issued for up to 3 months (6 months for oral contraceptives).

Health New Zealand is working with a 12-month Prescription Implementation Advisory Group to further understand the likely impacts of the initiative on revenue for pharmacies, and to propose options about what can be done to mitigate any adverse consequences. 

The funding has been committed to NAAR as part of the FY25/26 ICPSA variation to offset financial implementation of the 12-month prescription policy. Funding will be from Health New Zealand’s budgets and allocated in line with criteria developed in collaboration with the 12-month Prescription Implementation Advisory Group.

We know some of your patients are asking questions about when changes will be introduced and how it might impact them. Posters and flyers will be shared with pharmacies and GP practices soon for display and sharing with the public. A public advertising campaign will also launch next year.

In the meantime, here is a set of public messages that may be helpful to share across your communication channels and with your teams that may receive questions.

Coming in 2026: Easier, longer prescriptions for some long-term conditions

From early 2026, some people with stable, long-term health conditions may be able to get prescriptions that last up to 12 months with only one co-payment required for the first time they pick up their medicines.

This change will make it easier and cheaper to get the medicines you need, and you’ll still stay connected with your healthcare team.

• The maximum quantity of medicine that can be supplied from the pharmacy at any one time remains at three months (six months for oral contraceptives).
• More information is coming soon, so you’ll know exactly how it will work for you.