I'm a Kiwi who lived in Australia from 1995-2003 and became an Australian citizen while living there. I'm currently living in New Zealand and care for my mentally ill brother, who is on a couple of medications, one being Clozapine. This drug requires monthly blood tests as it can affect white blood cell count. I'm wanting to move back to Brisbane as I have a back injury that makes my life very unpleasant during the winter months in NZ, but it was much more tolerable when I lived in Brisbane, with its balmy, warm climate. My brother will have to come with me as other family members are unwilling to assist him. Of course, he will get no benefit in the Great Oz, but if I have work that should not matter much.

My question is will he get subsidized drugs via the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and will his monthly blood tests be free of charge?

Perhaps there are other Geekzone members who are currently living in Australia, or have recently lived in Australia, who have been on prescribed medication that needed regular blood tests.

What was your experience?

There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement between New Zealand and Australia:

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/enablers/rhca-visiting-from-new-zealand

There is an Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme#a2

Given those two facts, I'm thinking my brother will be covered.

I'm unwilling to contact Australian authorities directly about this; knowing what a hard-nosed bunch they are, they might block my brother from getting a Special Category Visa because of costs associated with his care. Better to apply for the medicine and blood tests once in Australia.