Veteran Orange Card

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What is the Orange Card

The Orange Card gives you access to prescription medicines, wound care items and nutritional supplements at a concession rate. Your card cannot be used for medical or other healthcare treatment.

The Orange Card is being redesigned and will be known as the Veteran Orange Card.

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Who can receive it

You may be eligible if you are a Commonwealth or Allied veteran or mariner and you:

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What you can receive

The card entitles you to a concession rate on prescription items, including medicines, wound care and nutritional supplements, at pharmacies in Australia.

When buying prescription items, you will need to pay $7.30 for each item until you reach your Safety Net Threshold for the calendar year.

If you choose a non-generic brand, you may need to pay an additional amount. Talk to your pharmacist to find out more about the costs associated with medicines.

If you have an Orange Card, you may receive the Veterans Supplement. You do not need to apply.

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How to get your Orange Card

If you qualify for the Orange Card and you receive a payment from us, we will automatically send you an Orange Card.

If you are not receiving a payment, complete the claim form and send it to us.

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How you use it

If you visit your doctor for a prescription, show them your Orange Card so they can prescribe your items through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).

You also need to show your Orange Card to pharmacy staff when you take your prescription to the counter.

If you do not show your card, you may be charged more, and the purchase may not count towards your Safety Net Threshold under RPBS. 

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What to tell us

If anything changes that could affect your entitlements, you need to let us know within 14 days (or 28 days if you receive the Remote Area Allowance or live overseas).

You should tell us if:

  • your card is lost or stolen
  • you change address; or
  • something else changes that could affect your entitlements
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