Special Authority: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access government subsidies for high-cost medicines through the Special Authority process in New Zealand.
Special Authority is a government subsidy system designed to help cover the cost of specific, high-cost medicines.
Who it's for
This scheme is intended for patients who require specific high-cost medicines. It is designed to provide financial support for those who need specialized treatments that would otherwise be too expensive to afford.
What you get
The main benefit of this scheme is a government subsidy. This subsidy is applied to otherwise expensive drugs, helping to reduce the financial burden on the patient when they need these specific medications.
What it costs you
While the subsidy helps with the cost of the medicine, there is an administrative requirement. You must obtain a specific approval code, often referred to as an SA code, from your prescriber. Without this code provided by your doctor or healthcare provider, the subsidy cannot be applied to your prescription.
The catch to know
The most significant issue that people encounter is the use of expired authority codes. Because these codes have a limited lifespan, using an outdated code will cause a claim rejection. It is vital to ensure that the authority code provided by your prescriber is current and valid to avoid issues with your coverage.
How to apply
- Speak with your doctor or healthcare prescriber about the specific high-cost medicine you require.
- Confirm that your prescriber can obtain the necessary Special Authority (SA) code for your treatment.
- Ensure you have the valid code ready when you go to collect your medication.
- Present both your prescription and the required approval code to your pharmacist so they can process the subsidy correctly.