honahlee has introduced a new program aimed at lowering the cost of medicinal cannabis for patients who hold concession cards.
The initiative operates through Scripts by honahlee, a platform that connects eScript holders with pharmacies, and will provide discounts of up to $40 on selected medicines.
Around 40 brands have signed on to offer concession pricing — some of which are exclusive to honahlee — with additional brands expected to join as the program grows.
Patients can place orders for reduced-price medicine through 50 pharmacies on the Scripts platform, a figure the company expects to double within the next six months.
honahlee has cautioned, however, that patients accessing their medicine through a closed-loop model may not be able to participate.
"If either their eScript or TGA approval is not accessible by Scripts by honahlee pharmacies, they may not be able to access the program," it said.
To qualify for the discounted rates, patients must have their eScript on hand and confirm that their prescriber is willing to provide their SAS-B or Authorised Prescriber letter to pharmacies taking part in the program.
honahlee said the technology underpinning the program allows pharmacies to verify a patient's concession status before an order is placed, a step "designed to maintain integrity and transparency in accordance with professional standards and regulatory requirements."
honahlee co-founder Tom Brown said managing concession pricing programs across the industry has historically been a complicated process.
"While there are great programs like Compass, existing concession pricing initiatives are limited in number and scope," he said. "Where they exist, a lack of visibility for patients and healthcare providers, combined with administrative burdens, has meant these programs have not been widely accessible. We intend to change that."
Beyond the direct savings for patients, honahlee has pointed to other advantages of the program, including a reduced administrative load on prescribers and suppliers and an "efficient, scalable framework for industry partners to participate."
Participating supplier Quest Biotech Pharma welcomed the initiative as one that puts patients at the centre of decision-making.
"The program is helping us to achieve our goal of partnering with like-minded suppliers and pharmacies, to allow patients to have better access to more affordable medicines. Putting patients first is of utmost importance," chief executive Damian Wood said.
Eligible concession types include a Health Care Card, Seniors Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Veterans Card (DVA) and Closing the Gap.
Product suppliers interested in offering concession prices to patients can email he***@**********om.au.
