A new study finds half of all adults and a third of children who are asthma patients are skipping or decreasing doses of preventative medication due to out of pocket costs.
Co-author of the study, Professor Helen Reddel, says although there is a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, there is still patient contribution which means about 40 percent of asthma patients can pay up to $40 a month for treatment.
Professor Reddel says the research suggested many people with asthma avoided essential preventer medication and instead relied on cheaper, over-the-counter reliever inhalers.