title: The potential for tobacco control to reduce PBS costs for smoking-related cardiovascular disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To estimate Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidies for drugs to treat smoking-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2001-02, and over the period of the government's Intergenerational Report (IGR), assuming current smoking prevalence rates and a 5% absolute reduction.
  
  
  METHODS
  An Australian epidemiological study, using prescribing data, aetiological fraction methodology, and IGR trends.
  
  
  METHODS
  Estimated smoking-related PBS subsidy costs in 2001-02 and predicted cumulative subsidies until 2041-42, under current and reduced smoking prevalence assumptions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The PBS costs of smoking-related CVD in 2001-02 were $126 million, 9.77% of the cost of drugs for CVD and 2.96% of total PBS subsidies. The cumulative difference in these costs over the 40-year period with a 5% drop in smoking prevalence was predicted to be $4.5 billion, a 17% reduction. The saving would be $1.14 billion discounting future costs at 5% per year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further investment in tobacco control interventions could curb the increasing cost of the PBS and contribute to government efforts to ensure the viability of Australia's healthcare-financing programs. The net present value of a campaign to reduce smoking prevalence was estimated at $1 billion, with an internal rate of return of 33%.
authors.affiliation: Bainbridge Consultants, 532 Brunswick St, North Fitzroy, VIC 3068, Australia. susanhurley@bainbridgeconsultants.com
authors.forename: Susan F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Hurley
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Scollo
authors.forename: Sandra J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Younie
authors.forename: Dallas R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: English
authors.forename: Maurice G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Swanson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention
chemical_list: D002317:Cardiovascular Agents