New prescription policy means cheaper medicines

* Australians living with an ongoing health condition can now get two months' worth of medicine for the price of one.

* The initial list of 60-day dispensed medicines include treatments for people with a heart condition, Crohn's disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and high blood pressure

* The expected saving for Medicare card holders is up to $180 a year, per medicine. Concession card holders will save $43 per medicine.

* Pharmacists concerned about the impact on their businesses will hold talks with the government in the lead-up to a new community pharmacy agreement.

* The move is expected to free up millions of consults by GPs as they will deal with fewer patients seeking routine, repeat prescriptions.

Australian Associated Press