New Zealanders living with long-term health conditions will soon enjoy easier and cheaper access to their regular medicines, with new rules allowing 12-month prescriptions from 1 February 2026.

Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced the change, which aims to reduce costs, save time, and make it more convenient for patients to manage ongoing treatments.

What’s Changing

Currently, most prescriptions for long-term conditions must be renewed every three months, requiring repeat doctor visits. Under the new system, patients with stable, long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure will be able to receive prescriptions valid for up to 12 months.

Patients will still collect their medicines in three-month supplies from their local pharmacy, but they will no longer need to visit their GP for each renewal.

“This is a common-sense change that makes life easier for people managing long-term conditions,” Minister Brown said. “It will save patients up to $105 per year in GP fees and free up doctors’ time to focus on patients with more complex needs.”

Implementation and Impact

Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) is working closely with GPs and community pharmacies to support the rollout of the new system. Prescribers will decide on a case-by-case basis whether a 12-month prescription is appropriate for each patient.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour said the initiative aligns with the government’s focus on cutting red tape and improving access to essential care.

“When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer,” Mr Seymour said. “That means fewer hospital visits, less pressure on the health system, and better quality of life for patients.”

Strengthening the Pharmacy Workforce

In addition to extending prescription lengths, the government is removing ownership restrictions on pharmacists who wish to become prescribers.

Previously, pharmacists could not own or have a financial interest in a pharmacy if they also held prescribing rights, unless granted an exemption. The Medicines Amendment Bill, passed this week, removes that barrier.

Mr Seymour said the change encourages innovation and allows pharmacist prescribers to provide more flexible, community-based care.

“Pharmacists are highly skilled and accessible professionals,” he said. “We’re empowering them to use their expertise where it’s needed most – in local communities.”

Around 100 pharmacist prescribers currently work in hospitals, GP clinics, and hospices, but none in community pharmacies due to the previous ownership limits. The law change will enable more pharmacists to prescribe medicines directly, improving convenience for patients.

Cost Savings for Patients

The government confirmed that patients will only pay the $5 prescription co-payment once when collecting their initial supply. The remaining repeats will not attract additional co-payments, significantly reducing annual medication costs.

The $5 fee applies to prescriptions issued by publicly funded health services. Private healthcare providers, such as dentists and private specialists, may charge up to $15 per prescription.

Notes for Patients

  • Prescribers will determine whether a 12-month prescription is clinically suitable.
  • Pharmacies will continue to dispense up to three months’ supply at a time (six months for oral contraceptives).
  • Some medicines, under the Pharmac rules, will remain limited to one-month supplies to manage national stock.

Conclusion

The new prescription policy marks a major step toward a more accessible and efficient healthcare system. By reducing unnecessary GP visits and empowering pharmacists, the government aims to make healthcare simpler, more affordable, and patient-focused.

“This is about making the system work better for the people it serves,” Mr Seymour said. “We want New Zealanders to get the right care, in the right place, when they need it.”