This was posted 2 years 3 months 16 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Up to 10 Free Rapid Antigen Tests over 3 Months (5 Per Month Cap) for Pensioner, Veteran, Health Care Card Holder @ Pharmacies

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Up to 10 Free Rapid Antigen Tests over 3 Months (5 Per Month Cap) for Pensioner, Veteran, Health Care Card Holder @ Pharmacies
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therealoptimus on 13/01/2022 - 20:12 health.gov.au (7135 clicks)
Last edited 14/01/2022 - 12:18 by 2 other users

This is simply a public service announcement for pensioners (various types eligible)
You heard it here first.
Starting the 24th concession card holders will be able to access up to 10 free RATs from their local pharmacy.

National Cabinet agreed that up to 10 Rapid Antigen Tests over three months (a maximum of 5 in a month) will be made available free through pharmacies to people holding the following cards:

Pension Concession Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card
Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card
Health Care Card
Low Income Health Card

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-13/covid-live-blog-lates…

Remember you heard it here first! /s
Is that the right way to use this? /s

Mod: Republished as start date is now listed on Health Gov's site. See previous discussion.

Health & Beauty COVID-19 Test Rapid Antigen Test

Related Stores

Department of Health, Australian Government
Department of Health, Australian Government

closed Comments

    • cameldownunder on 14/01/2022 - 11:06

      First indications showed they were not precise enough, but, hey, now they are. Especially when comparing the costs to a PCR test.
      "Geiz ist Geil"

  • Clear on 13/01/2022 - 20:26
    +1

    Been able to pick up RAT tests for free for about 2 weeks in TAS. The number of people on your Medicare card 😉

    • buckster on 13/01/2022 - 20:35
      +6

      Yeah but TAS

      • Clear on 13/01/2022 - 20:51
        +4

        It's great I know.

  • ky1975 on 13/01/2022 - 20:26
    +17

    There will be more as the election draws closer, by that time people forgot what a moron the guy used to be.

    • scud70 on 13/01/2022 - 20:47
      +9

      what do you mean used to? lol… he will continue to be one well into the future…

    • tonka on 14/01/2022 - 01:25

      We'll all be much thinner by then. But as long as the beer keeps running in Sydney's southern beaches he'll think he's a shoe in.

    • cameldownunder on 14/01/2022 - 11:08
      +2

      They will promise tax discounts and an immediate $500 for everyone to spend and 95% of Australians will fall for it.

  • bakemon0 on 13/01/2022 - 20:32
    +8

    thanks slow-mo

  • burningrage on 13/01/2022 - 20:33

    I can attest this has been available since last Saturday. If you are holder of the abovementioned cards, you could have already obtained it from at least Chemist Warehouse.

    • end255 on 13/01/2022 - 20:44
      +1

      Which one?

      • djones145 on 13/01/2022 - 21:07
        +3

        prolly downtown… downtown London

      • burningrage on 14/01/2022 - 08:51

        Ringwood Chemist Warehouse.

        However, I dont know if they still have it now. It was last Saturday.

    • lisamacoz on 14/01/2022 - 07:34

      Where? Every place I call is out of them.

    • ahly92 on 14/01/2022 - 12:12
      +1

      went to me local CW, they had stock, asked about free Gov scheme, said no as they still havn
      't got direction (haven't been added to the scheme ect) paid the $20 and turned out to be positive. an old lady next to me once realizing its not for free didn't buy it…realise that is the case for many people doing it tough and probably are positive, and will just keep spreading it around

    • DoctorCalculon on 14/01/2022 - 17:36
      +1

      Could I purchase these for my parents using their pensioner concession cards, or do they need to be present?

  • hwtan80 on 13/01/2022 - 20:37
    +7

    I believe this is a targeted offer.

    • MagicMushroom on 13/01/2022 - 20:44
      +1

      Technically Not. Everyone can get access, but just need to resign from work.

  • KenDiaMoi on 13/01/2022 - 20:37
    +9

    Spent $3 Billion on a tank, can't provide everyone with RATs

    • Blokeinhisundies on 13/01/2022 - 20:55

      That's one fancy tank!

    • Raj09 on 14/01/2022 - 00:34
      +2

      Yep. And while I don't criticise putting those rat tests to pensioners and low income people, the person's who need rhe tests are mostly the working population. This won't solve the current problems and will do next nothing to address the coming worker shortages

    • neonlight on 14/01/2022 - 13:45

      Tank will not save you from China's nukes. RAT will save economy what gives?

  • buckster on 13/01/2022 - 20:38
    +21

    Shame they didn't order any to distribute across the nation until there were none available…

    And then what they've ordered has basically blocked pharmacies from access

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-12/rats-diverted-to-fede…

    And yes blah blah ABC lefties blah blah

  • MBix on 13/01/2022 - 20:39

    Wasn’t this posted and moved to the forums already a few days back?

    I swear I didn’t hear it here first. Though I suppose I did hear it here first!

    • therealoptimus on 13/01/2022 - 20:44
      +2

      I haven’t the foggiest what you’re talking about.
      You heard it here first! /s

  • Firefly on 13/01/2022 - 20:42
    +5

    Hopefully, the pensioners can get to the Rapid Antigen Tests before the government seizes them:

    https://www.sbs.com.au/news/retailers-claim-the-australian-g…

  • Gehirn on 13/01/2022 - 20:46
    +10

    Last post on this was removed.

    Anyway no stock as it's coming out of existing stock, and this government unlike the rest in the world couldn't predict tests would be needed.

  • vodamerc on 13/01/2022 - 20:49
    +6

    Why does this crap have to fill the home page?

      • firestint on 13/01/2022 - 21:42
        +14

        Replies like this

    • gakko on 14/01/2022 - 09:02

      People trying to help each other out in pretty hectic times.

  • CacheHunter on 13/01/2022 - 20:49
    +26

    Insufficient quantity - less than 10 available (across the entire country).

    • frewer on 13/01/2022 - 23:56

      It'd be great, only if that 'ten' is incompetency politicians

  • TimApple on 13/01/2022 - 20:50
    +2

    If you don't have these cards, you can just buy them for $10 each!!

    Or just go to a quiet PCR test and get it for $0 with higher accuracy. I'm quite thankful the PCR test clinic in my suburb never has wait time more than an hour.

    • Blokeinhisundies on 13/01/2022 - 20:56
      +1

      LOL How often are you getting tested?

      • TimApple on 13/01/2022 - 22:04

        Just when I got a notification that I'm a close contact. A couple times since the pandemic started.

    • tunzafun001 on 14/01/2022 - 00:34

      Nice. Which state? Adelaide is inundated and failing. People i know have tried for 2 days and got redirected to 4 different test sites and came home without a test (and they arrived at 5am ..which is 2hrs before it opened)..
      Poor young bloke (well 18) needed an ambulance in the night as he couldnt breathe + had heat stroke from lining up.

      • realist123 on 14/01/2022 - 07:26

        We waited about 45 minutes @6am Tuesday, vic park

      • TimApple on 14/01/2022 - 17:22

        NSW actually.

        I try to go into multiple places to check the queue. I think a lot of people just go to the closest one and queue there. But then again I probably spent 15-30 mins each trip driving around a place with small queue.

  • Dabas on 13/01/2022 - 20:50
    +4

    People aren't getting even with money. Good luck getting it free.

    • jv on 13/01/2022 - 20:56
      +1

      There'll be plenty of stock in a few weeks, just like with hand sanitisers and masks…

  • bbcw1980 on 13/01/2022 - 20:51
    +4

    You are the one who decided to let it rip …………………………. are you handing those RAT out so you can fine people $1000 for not reporting?

    • jv on 13/01/2022 - 20:55

      You are the one who decided to let it rip

      Actually, it was the state premiers…

      • tunzafun001 on 14/01/2022 - 00:47

        State premiers being Liberal with a little 'push' from Scomo….hence WA (ALP) going..yeah..nah.
        Dan Andrews..well he is just stupid…poor man.

        • jv on 14/01/2022 - 01:13

          QLD ?

          • shoppe on 14/01/2022 - 10:15

            @jv: She was certainly pressured, if not bribed, to open the boarder.

      • maverickjohn on 14/01/2022 - 08:28
        +1

        This is the truth

    • jv on 13/01/2022 - 20:55
      +1

      so you can fine people $1000

      The fines are state level too, under the health department of each state.

    • djones145 on 13/01/2022 - 21:09

      how would they know you had a positive RAT…
      are they going to go through ur trash and see if their are positive RATs

      or is there little stock cause the government is implanting chips into all RATs which will automatically inform dommy of the positive result and he will personally come knocking for his 1k

      • DoctorCalculon on 14/01/2022 - 17:53

        how would they know you had a positive RAT

        They wouldn't. As a good citizen, they are expecting you to do the right thing.
        The fine is a scare tactic, IMHO.

  • RexHavoc on 13/01/2022 - 21:13
    -5

    Great work to government Keeping us safe god bless

  • vasil on 13/01/2022 - 21:15
    +2

    Are they Made in serbia?

    Scott Morrissons's deal.

  • Tim Mc on 13/01/2022 - 21:15
    +1

    5 free RATs from a state run drive thru in VIC today.

    They've been giving out RATs as an alternative to PCR for a week now.

    Private clinics have massive queues.

    State run drive thru only took 15min when I rocked up at 11am. Website said it was closed but I visited anyway and it was very much still open.

    Queue of cars from the entrance. 5 lanes but only 2 to 3 in use. People asked to scan QR code and register URN. Some asked questions to determine if PCR required.

    I was directed to a tent at the end without being asked. All good though as I wanted a Rapid Antigen Test instead of PCR. Tent didn't seem to have aircon like the others doing PCR. Staff had a few boxes of RATs left. Low supply.

    • neil on 13/01/2022 - 21:21
      +1

      Was this at Flemington?

      • Tim Mc on 13/01/2022 - 21:22
        +1

        133 Wellington Rd, Clayton at Monash University car park.

  • yuisakas on 13/01/2022 - 21:18
    +18

    Free Rapid Antigen Tests should be for everybody

    • Tunafish1 on 13/01/2022 - 22:18
      +3

      I don't think they should be free but $1 would be acceptable otherwise you'll have people hoarding them for no reason when those who need them can't get them.

    • LowRange on 14/01/2022 - 00:15
      +2

      Exactly, tax payer dollars. Workers out dealing with the public should be getting them free before people sitting at home on unemployment.

    • tunzafun001 on 14/01/2022 - 00:43

      Gerry Harvey ..is that you? Nice gag by the way EC.

  • oaks101 on 13/01/2022 - 21:24
    +34

    Seriously. Who can honestly say they are voting for LNP in the coming election. Absolute shambles.

    • Derrick Crane on 13/01/2022 - 21:27
      +1

      Hard to disagree but what is the alternative?

      • ihfree on 13/01/2022 - 21:59
        +10

        A government without as long a list of "achievements" and hopefully a retroactive ICAC to hold the current lot to account for some of their actions.

        https://www.mdavis.xyz/govlist/

      • buckster on 13/01/2022 - 23:28
        +3

        Labor would be better than Clive Palmer and Craig Kelly, that's for sure

        • mrklaus on 14/01/2022 - 07:25

          Anything is better than Craig Kelly.

      • Mischaseb on 14/01/2022 - 00:19
        +4

        Just because you don't like spinach doesn't mean you should eat shit

        • Mugsy on 14/01/2022 - 08:29

          Mate, they're all shit.

          • Mischaseb on 14/01/2022 - 11:46

            @Mugsy: Yes, but some score worse on the Bristol stool chart.

    • smog on 14/01/2022 - 00:57
      +1

      As long as they don't touch pensions or franking credits, they'll still have a good chunk of voters.

  • lachlantula on 13/01/2022 - 21:27

    i'd be shocked if there's enough to go around. i work at cw and there was probably a dozen people asking today alone about this scheme, with most apparently thinking it had already started. it's gonna be big.

  • Ccpspy1 on 13/01/2022 - 21:28

    Great deal

  • brenster56 on 13/01/2022 - 21:28

    Wow, getting one is hard enough let alone 10 free ones for the pension holders.

  • Herbse on 13/01/2022 - 21:29

    No stock available anywhere

  • Batch on 13/01/2022 - 21:29
    +18

    Basically an ad for the current government.

  • StarPlatinum on 13/01/2022 - 21:40
    +11

    If RATS were named car parks in marginal seats theyd be free

  • Beefgrinder on 13/01/2022 - 21:45
    +16

    Could've been free for all, but yay, tanks!

    • StarPlatinum on 13/01/2022 - 21:48
      +2

      We can finally blow up covid with it

  • CoreJava on 13/01/2022 - 21:48

    Good job scomo. I am worry for those who are old and get covid when they go and collect the RAT.

    • sardines on 13/01/2022 - 22:09
      +2

      what about those who dont hold a pension card but at high risk or has a high risk person in their family?Also shouldn't this rather go to younger people who are actually out in the community and at higher risk of catching Covid- aka a person working at coles wants to visit grandparents but cannot afford the RAT but Pensioners who "tend" to mix with low risk people (of getting covid) are getting all the free RAT? This sounds like a poor thought out marketing sound byte for a particular voting population.

      • CoreJava on 13/01/2022 - 22:28
        -7

        No, because young people won't die from COVID.

        • ihfree on 13/01/2022 - 22:44
          +1

          Exactly… they can also be used to help prevent putting high risk people at risk if lower risk people use them before visits.

          This sounds like a poor thought out marketing sound byte for a particular voting population.

          That, or a cover for not being prepared

        • Tyrx on 13/01/2022 - 22:52
          +2

          I'm not sure where your getting your information from - young people with no comorbidities can and have died from COVID-19, including the omicron variant. That's also not including the problem of long COVID, which can have life deliberating consequences.

  • hasher22 on 13/01/2022 - 21:53
    +1

    I think it should be cost price or free for everyone.

  • Yabadabadoo on 13/01/2022 - 22:04
    +14

    This is so disgraceful, the news tonight confirmed these tests cost the government just 88c but cant get supplies to make they free. They are happy to pay $100 per PCR test but 88c for a RAT is somehow going to far!

    The cost of 1 days worth of PCR tests is enough to pay for a RAT for every one in Australia!

    • ihfree on 13/01/2022 - 22:08
      +16

      The continued transfer of wealth from the general public to big business under the LNP shouldn't come as surprise anymore.

        • ihfree on 13/01/2022 - 22:46
          +6

          Happy to read about it, if you point me in the right direction.

          • loropy9 on 14/01/2022 - 00:49
            +1

            @ihfree: It's the Labour, so it's in the left direction.

    • cloudy on 13/01/2022 - 22:46

      I googled 88cents for rats and couldn’t find a news article, can you point to who said this

      • raptormesh on 14/01/2022 - 01:01

        They cost about AUD1.5 in Malaysia so I wouldn't be too sceptical.

        • cloudy on 14/01/2022 - 10:02

          I just love facts :)

        • cloudy on 17/01/2022 - 21:09

          ok so saw on ABC news confirm that wholesale costs of these is $4-$8. So unless ABC news tonight is blatantly wrong I'd say Fred Flinstone is wrong.

    • neonlight on 14/01/2022 - 13:47

      SCOMO and DOMO are a disgrace of this country. They created this "domicron" killing elders and others and no RAT test given for free and no availability. If you can't get tested then you are not positive, keep spreading mate

    • bkksam on 20/01/2022 - 17:56

      Do you have a link for "tests cost the government just 88c" ?

  • Adriftx on 13/01/2022 - 22:08
    +1

    Scomo just let me pay and make this available everywhere. I don't fall into any of these categories and to keep it that way I have to keep working. I have to do this test everyday if someone in my workplace is positive. Its hard for my employer to get these kits on regular basis too if enough supply is not there.

  • staz on 13/01/2022 - 22:17
    +6

    Down vote and comment revoked as my comment wasn't sufficient enough.

    This isn't a deal. These should be free to all. Good luck getting any from the allocation to pharmacies, servos etc that are gouging us all to make a profit. Sure hope this is (at least) Scomo's downfall.

    • jv on 13/01/2022 - 22:40
      -1

      These should be free to all.

      Why?

      • staz on 13/01/2022 - 22:49
        +5

        If the strategy to open up relies on the tests then the govt should provide them for free or at cost.

        • jv on 13/01/2022 - 22:51

          then the govt should provide them for free

          They don't manufacture them, they need to be paid for.

          • staz on 13/01/2022 - 22:55
            +8

            @jv: Their policy decision has cost implications one way or another. The sticking point are the substantial mark ups driven by scarcity and the govt's choice to let retailers manage distribution, which currently isn't working.

            It's taken us a week to find tests for my wife to be able to head back to work. That's unacceptable.

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