53240 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

Written Question

Published date: 25 Nov 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	53240 (2025)
Question asked:	12 Nov 2025
Member asking:	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Portfolio:	Minister of Health
Minister replying:	Hon Simeon Brown
Answer received:	20 Nov 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_53240_2025
Document guid:	50e20cc9-5c33-411f-b4fa-eb7a0f5988d4

53240 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What was the total cost to Health New Zealand, if any, of modifying its IT systems to reinstate the $5 prescription co-payment in 2024?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that the total cost to Health New Zealand of modifying its IT systems to reinstate the $5 prescription co-payment in 2024 was under $550,000. I am further advised that $412,000 was for external costs for Pharmacy vendor changes. The cost included changes to streamline the provision of entitlement information (Community Service Card and Prescription Subsidy Card entitlements) to ensure people were charged appropriately and to reduce the administrative burden on pharmacies.