How to Set Up Medication Budgeting and Auto-Refill Alerts

Running out of medication isn’t just inconvenient-it can be dangerous. And when prices keep rising, forgetting to refill can turn into a financial shock. If you’re managing multiple prescriptions, especially for chronic conditions, you’re not alone. Thousands of people in Australia and beyond are quietly stressed about how much they’re spending on meds each month. The good news? You don’t need a hospital IT department to take control. You can set up your own simple, effective system for tracking costs and auto-refilling prescriptions-right from your phone or computer.

Start by listing every medication you take

Before you do anything else, write down every pill, inhaler, injection, or cream you use regularly. Don’t skip the over-the-counter stuff like painkillers or antacids if you take them daily. Include the name, dosage, how often you take it, and whether it’s covered by the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) or paid out-of-pocket. This list is your foundation. Without it, you’re guessing.

For example:

• Metformin 500mg - 1 tablet twice daily - PBS subsidized
• Atorvastatin 20mg - 1 tablet nightly - PBS subsidized
• Salbutamol inhaler - 2 puffs as needed - PBS co-payment
• Paracetamol 500mg - 2 tablets up to 4x/day - out-of-pocket
• Vitamin D 1000IU - 1 capsule daily - out-of-pocket

Use a notes app, spreadsheet, or even a paper list. The goal isn’t perfection-it’s awareness. Once you see the full picture, you’ll spot patterns. Maybe you’re spending $180 a month on non-subsidized items. That’s $2,160 a year. That’s a lot to miss.

Track your actual spending, not just the price tags

The price on the pharmacy receipt isn’t always what you pay. PBS has co-payments: $31.60 for general patients, $8.30 for concession holders in 2025. But if you buy outside the PBS-like a brand-name drug when a generic is available-you pay full price. Some pharmacies charge more than others for the same item. A 30-day supply of lisinopril might cost $22 at one chemist and $38 at another.

Here’s how to track it: Every time you refill, record the date, pharmacy, drug name, and amount paid. Do this for a full month. At the end, add it up. You might find you’re paying $50 more per month than you thought because you always refill at the same chemist, even though the one down the street is cheaper. Or maybe you’re buying two inhalers because you forget when the last one ran out.

Use a free app like Medisafe or MyTherapy-they let you log meds and costs automatically. Or just use Google Sheets. The key is consistency. After three months, you’ll know exactly how much your meds cost annually. That’s your baseline.

Set up auto-refill alerts before you run out

Most people refill when they’re almost out. That’s too late. You need a buffer. For most prescriptions, set an alert 7 days before you expect to run out. That gives you time to deal with delays-pharmacy stock issues, postal delays, or a doctor’s appointment you forgot to schedule.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Check your prescription label. It usually says how many days’ supply you have (e.g., “30 days”).
2. Count back 7 days from the end date. That’s your alert day.
3. Use your phone’s calendar app. Create a recurring event titled “Refill: Metformin” for that date every month.
4. Turn on notifications. Make sure they’re loud and visible.

If you use a pharmacy app like Chemist Warehouse, TerryWhite Chemmart, or your local pharmacy’s app, turn on auto-refill alerts there too. Most let you set reminders for specific meds and even auto-order them with one tap. You can also link your PBS prescription to the My Health Record system so your GP gets notified when you’re due for a repeat.

Pro tip: Set a second alert 2 days before the refill date. That’s your “last chance” reminder. If you haven’t ordered by then, you’ll get a push notification. No more panic refills at midnight.

Compare prices and switch pharmacies smartly

Not all pharmacies charge the same. A 28-day supply of levothyroxine might be $15.50 at one chemist and $27 at another-even with PBS subsidy. Use the PBS website’s PBS Price Checker (updated monthly) to see the maximum you should pay. Then call a few local pharmacies and ask for the cash price if you’re not eligible for PBS. You’d be surprised how much cheaper they can be.

Some pharmacies offer loyalty programs. Chemist Warehouse gives 10% off after 10 prescriptions. TerryWhite offers free delivery over $30. If you’re on multiple meds, these add up. Consider switching to a pharmacy that offers free delivery or pickup points near your home or work.

Don’t forget: generic drugs are almost always cheaper than brand names. Ask your pharmacist: “Is there a generic version of this?” If your doctor prescribed Lisinopril, the generic is identical to Zestril-but costs 40% less. You don’t need a new script. Just ask.

Use PBS safety nets to cap your costs

The PBS has two safety nets that kick in after you spend a certain amount in a calendar year:

• General Patient Safety Net: Once you’ve paid $316.80 (2025) on PBS scripts, you pay only $8.30 per script for the rest of the year.
• Concession Safety Net: Once you’ve paid $76.80, you pay only $8.30 per script.

These aren’t automatic. You have to track your spending. Use the PBS app or My Health Record to see your current safety net progress. If you’re close to hitting the cap, ask your pharmacist to check your balance before you pay. You might be paying too much.

Pro tip: If you’re on multiple scripts, ask your doctor to batch them. Instead of 5 separate prescriptions, get one script with 5 items. That way, you only hit the safety net once per visit, not five times.

Automate what you can-with low-tech tools

You don’t need fancy software. Here’s a simple system that works:

• Use Google Calendar for refill alerts (recurring events with notifications).
• Use Google Sheets to log each refill: Date | Drug | Pharmacy | Cost | PBS? | Notes.
• At the end of each month, use the SUM function to total your spending.
• Set a monthly budget: “I will spend no more than $120 on meds this month.”
• When you go over, ask: Why? Did I refill early? Did I buy a brand name? Did I forget to switch to generic?

Some people use apps like Medisafe or MyTherapy for automated reminders and cost tracking. They sync with your calendar and even send alerts if you miss a dose. But the free tools work just as well-if you use them.

What to do when costs spike unexpectedly

Sometimes, a drug’s price jumps overnight. Maybe the manufacturer raised it. Maybe the PBS subsidy changed. Or maybe you’re prescribed a new, expensive medication.

Don’t panic. Do this:

• Ask your pharmacist: “Is there a therapeutic alternative?” Sometimes, another drug in the same class works just as well-and costs less.
• Ask your doctor: “Can we try a lower-dose version?” Sometimes, you can split a higher-dose tablet to save money.
• Check the PBS website for new listings. New drugs get added all the time. A $400/month drug might now be subsidized.
• Apply for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Safety Net if you haven’t already. You might be eligible without knowing it.

There’s also the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for veterans and the Access to Medicines Program for low-income patients. Ask your pharmacist or call 1800 500 144 for help.

What doesn’t work-and why

Many people try to save by skipping doses. That’s dangerous. Others buy meds overseas without a prescription. That’s risky and illegal. Some rely on “free sample packs” from doctors-but those don’t last.

Another mistake? Waiting until the last day to refill. Pharmacies run out of stock. Post delays happen. Your script might need a new doctor’s signature. If you’re on a long-term script, ask your doctor for a repeatable prescription-valid for 12 months. That way, you can refill anytime without another visit.

And don’t assume your GP knows your full med list. They might not. Keep your own updated list. Bring it to every appointment. It saves time, prevents errors, and helps them spot cost-saving opportunities.

Real results: What this looks like in practice

Maria, 68, from Geelong, takes 6 PBS scripts and 3 OTC meds. Before she started tracking, she spent $220 a month on meds. She didn’t know she was close to hitting the PBS Safety Net. After setting up alerts and switching to cheaper pharmacies, she now spends $135 a month. She saved $1,020 last year. She also started splitting her high-dose statin tablet-cutting that cost in half.

David, 52, from Brisbane, has type 2 diabetes. He was paying $180 a month for insulin. He didn’t realize his pharmacy was charging $10 more than the PBS maximum. After switching, he saved $120 a month. He now uses Google Calendar alerts to refill 7 days before he runs out. He hasn’t missed a dose in 14 months.

You don’t need a perfect system. You just need a system that works for you.

If you’re managing multiple meds, budgeting isn’t about being cheap-it’s about being smart. You’re not just saving money. You’re protecting your health. A few simple steps-tracking, alerting, comparing, and switching-can save you hundreds a year and give you peace of mind. Start with one med. Set one alert. See how it feels. Then do the next one. You’ve got this.