The release of the 2025–26 Federal Budget has sparked a mix of cautious optimism and a determined call for action from the disability advocacy sector. MS Australia, the nation’s peak body for people living with multiple sclerosis, has officially shared its analysis, acknowledging several significant wins while highlighting critical gaps that remain. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze Australian households, the government’s focus on healthcare accessibility and immediate financial relief has been noted as a step in the right direction. However, for a community managing a complex, lifelong neurological condition, the “missed opportunities” in medical research and long-term disability support structures are viewed with deep concern.
Healthcare Investments and MRI Accessibility
One of the most praised aspects of the new budget is the substantial investment in Medicare and primary care services. For those living with MS, frequent medical consultations and diagnostic imaging are not luxuries but essential components of managing their health. MS Australia has specifically welcomed the $17.3 million allocated over three years to fund affordable, Medicare-eligible MRI services in underserved metropolitan areas. Regular MRI monitoring is the gold standard for tracking disease progression and the effectiveness of treatments, and reducing the out-of-pocket burden for these scans is a tangible victory for patient affordability. Additionally, the expansion of bulk billing incentives and the establishment of 50 new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are expected to ease the pressure on a community that often requires specialized and timely medical attention.
Reducing the Financial Burden of Medication
Managing multiple sclerosis often involves a rigorous regimen of disease-modifying therapies and symptom-management medications. The 2025–26 Budget addresses this through a commitment of $784.6 million to lower the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) general patient co-payment. Starting from January 2026, the maximum cost of a PBS prescription will drop from $31.60 to $25.00. For individuals who are not concession cardholders but still face high monthly pharmacy bills, this reduction provides a much-needed financial buffer. MS Australia has highlighted that three-quarters of people living with MS are women, making the budget’s dedicated $792.9 million for women’s health initiatives particularly relevant to their community.
Key Budget Allocations for the MS Community
To better understand how the funding is distributed across different sectors impacting the disability community, the following table outlines the core financial commitments highlighted by MS Australia.
| Funding Category | Amount Allocated | Key Impact Area |
| PBS Price Reduction | $784.6 Million | Lowering prescription costs to $25 max |
| Medicare Bulk Billing | $8.4 Billion | Expanding access to free GP visits |
| NDIS Integrity | $175.4 Million | Fraud detection and appeals program |
| MRI Services | $17.3 Million | Affordable scans in underserved areas |
| Energy Bill Rebates | $1.8 Billion | $75 quarterly rebates for households |
| ILC Program Reform | $364.5 Million | Improving community disability supports |
Strengthening the NDIS and Foundational Supports
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) remains the backbone of support for one in three Australians living with MS. The government’s decision to allocate $175.4 million to safeguard the integrity of the scheme has been met with approval. This funding is designed to tackle fraud and non-compliance while improving the NDIS Appeals Program, ensuring that resources reach those who truly need them. However, MS Australia remains vocal about the lack of clarity regarding “foundational supports”—the services intended for people with disabilities who do not qualify for the NDIS. While $364.5 million has been set aside to reform the Information, Linkages, and Capacity Building (ILC) program, the advocacy group insists that more specific direction is needed to ensure no one falls through the cracks of the system.
The Critical Gap in Medical Research
Despite the gains in healthcare delivery, the budget has been criticized for its lack of new investment in health and medical research. MS Australia expressed disappointment that the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) allocations remained stagnant at $650 million per annum, despite advice suggesting significantly more funds were available. The organization is continuing its call for a dedicated Neurological and Neuromuscular Health Research Mission. Without a surge in funding for research, the quest to prevent, halt, and reverse neurological damage remains underfunded. For a condition that costs the Australian economy over $2.5 billion annually, the failure to prioritize a “pathway to a cure” is seen as a short-sighted fiscal decision.
Addressing Heat Intolerance and Living Costs
A unique challenge for nearly 90% of people with MS is heat intolerance, which often necessitates the constant use of air conditioning to manage symptoms. This leads to energy bills that can be up to 15 times higher than the average household. In this context, the extension of energy bill rebates—providing $75 per quarter until late 2025—is a vital support measure. Furthermore, the introduction of personal income tax cuts starting in mid-2026 will offer some relief, though many advocates argue that these measures do not go far enough for those on the lowest incomes who are struggling the most with the skyrocketing cost of essentials.
A Call for Future-Proofing Disability Care
While the 2025–26 Federal Budget provides immediate relief through cheaper medicines and energy rebates, MS Australia emphasizes that the work is far from over. The organization is urging the government to move beyond “crisis management” and toward long-term, sustainable reform. This includes clearer implementation strategies for the recommendations of the Disability Royal Commission and a renewed commitment to inclusive climate resilience strategies. As the nation prepares for future fiscal cycles, the message from the MS community is clear: support is welcome, but a comprehensive strategy that pairs immediate relief with robust medical research is the only way to truly transform lives.
FAQs
Q1 How will the PBS changes affect MS patients?
Starting January 1, 2026, the maximum price for a PBS-listed medication will drop to $25. This will lower the out-of-pocket costs for many MS treatments and symptom-management drugs for those without concession cards.
Q2 What is the “Accessible Australia” initiative?
This is a $17.1 million program aimed at improving the accessibility of community infrastructure, such as national parks and beaches, making it easier for people with mobility challenges to participate in social and recreational activities.
Q3 Why is MS Australia concerned about medical research funding?
The 2025–26 budget did not include significant new investments in medical research. MS Australia argues that without increased funding for a dedicated Neurological Research Mission, the development of new diagnostic tools and potential cures will be delayed.
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