What has changed

From 1 February 2026, people in Aotearoa who are eligible for fully funded (subsidised) prescription medicines can now receive their prescriptions for up to 12 months for some long‑term medicines - a change designed to make it easier and more affordable for people to access the treatments they rely on.

Previously, most prescriptions were limited to a maximum of three months. The new rules allow prescribers to issue prescriptions for up to 12 months when it is safe and appropriate to do so. People will still usually collect medicines from pharmacies in smaller amounts (for example, up to three months at a time).

This change aims to reduce costs, improve access to medicines, and reduce the need for frequent appointments for routine prescription renewals.

Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, alongside sector partners and community voices, supported advocacy efforts on this issue - including submissions highlighting how prescription access can impact people’s health, wellbeing, and ability to stay engaged in care. We’re really pleased to see this change come into effect.

What this means for people taking HIV treatment (ART) or PrEP

If you take antiretroviral treatment (ART), your clinician may now be able to prescribe up to 12 months at a time - but this decision is always made on an individual basis. Prescription length will depend on what your prescribing clinician considers safe and appropriate for you.

If you're on PrEP, it's likely you will continue to see your clinician every three months, as PrEP requires 3-monthly HIV/STI testing and kidney checks every 6–12 months. This may change in the future, and some clinicians may extend their prescriptions to longer intervals.

If you’re interested in longer prescriptions for either ART or PrEP, the best next step is to talk to your prescribing clinician about what might be most appropriate for you.

Why this matters

Longer prescriptions can help reduce barriers to staying on treatment or prevention and make managing ongoing health needs simpler for many people.

However, it’s important that you continue to take your medication as prescribed, and that you still complete any blood tests and swabs as and when required. For people living with HIV, viral load testing is still recommended every 6 months. For people on PrEP, keeping up with your 3‑monthly check‑ins helps make sure PrEP stays safe and effective for you.

If you have questions about your medicines, prescription length, or collection schedule, talk to your clinician or pharmacist.