The potential for tobacco control to reduce PBS costs for smoking-related cardiovascular disease.
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%.
Hurley
Susan F
SF
Bainbridge Consultants, 532 Brunswick St, North Fitzroy, VIC 3068, Australia. susanhurley@bainbridgeconsultants.com
Scollo
Michelle M
MM
Younie
Sandra J
SJ
English
Dallas R
DR
Swanson
Maurice G
MG
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
D002317:Cardiovascular Agents