Good News for the over 70’s

Government announces changes to osteoporosis medication and bone density testing

From 1 April 2007, a common osteoporosis medication, alendronate, will be available on the PBS for people aged 70 years and over who have a bone density of minus 3 (very low bone density).

Currently, alendronate (Fosamax ® Once Weekly and Alendro ® Once Weekly) is available on the PBS for people with osteoporosis who have had a fracture following minimal trauma.

To coincide with this announcement, people 70 and over will also have access to a Medicare rebate for bone mineral tests. These tests will now be fully covered by Medicare from 1 April 2007.  In the past these tests were covered by Medicare for people who had significant risk factors for osteoporosis; advanced age was not part of this criteria.

See Bone Health for Life - Bone mineral density testing 
(http://www.bonehealthforlife.org.au/content/view/22/482/)
See Bone Health for Life - alendronate
(http://www.bonehealthforlife.org.au/content/view/25/398/#bis)
See Bone Health for Life - Older Years
(http://www.bonehealthforlife.org.au/content/view/75/431/)

Content updated December 22, 2006