Eating gluten free foods can be expensive. But for those with coeliac disease, being on a strictly gluten free diet is the only way to improve and maintain their health. To aid those with coeliac disease in living gluten free, Pharmac offers part-funding for some gluten free foods.
The part-subsidy, which is available by prescription only, covers the part-funding of gluten free foods such as gluten free flour, gluten free bread mix or baking mix. The aim is to make gluten free foods more affordable. The Pharmac part-subsidy is available to:
Careful consideration should be taken in deciding whether or not it is worth getting the prescription or not – as pharmacy charges and GP or dietitian consultation costs vary, and the range and price of gluten-free food is increasing in supermarkets.
Unfortunately, Pharmac provides a part-subsidy on a smaller range of gluten-free foods, which means using a prescription to source gluten-free foods may eventually become less viable.
NORTH and SOUTH ISLAND: Your doctor or dietitian can provide you with a Special Authority Number and a prescription for up to 3 months supply of a specific range of gluten-free products such as gluten-free flour or bread mix. This can be taken to your local pharmacy to fulfil.
CANTERBURY: Unichem Ilam Healthworks Pharmacy will fulfil your prescription without charging a dispensing fee, however, postage costs may apply for delivery.
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Coeliac New Zealand is available throughout your journey. As part of our community, you’ll get support, advice, and assistance. We work with health professionals, manufacturers, and researchers to raise awareness of coeliac disease in NZ.
Together, we can reach a day when every person with coeliac disease gets diagnosed quickly, lives a healthy life, and has the prospect of a cure.
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