The private sector approach offers the most savings per prescription.

That amount had been raised to $5 from $2 per prescription by the Legislature in the current budget.

The authors note that the average price per prescription for the elderly increased in the last two decades to $17 from $4.

Individuals with toxic treatments pay 10 percent, up to a maximum of 2.64 euros per prescription.

On all other drugs, the Government would pay whichever was lower, the actual price or the average wholesale price plus $4.50 per prescription.

Pharmacists who agree to participate in the plan have to pay the difference in drug prices, which averages about $18 per prescription.

Subscribers in the plans typically pay about $10 per prescription.

They pay up to A$34 (roughly £20) per prescription, with the state paying anything above.

Still, it does require a $2 service charge per prescription for those over 65 who normally get prescriptions free.

As a prescription-only drug, Plan B has cost from $25 to $40 per prescription.