Financial Assistance

Medicare Benefit Schemes

Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program – formerly known as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC)
At Box Hill Speech Pathology we are more than happy to work with your General Practitioner to provide therapy under a CDM plan. The Chronic Disease Management scheme is initiated by your General Practitioner and available to children and adults with Chronic Care needs. People with Autism are automatically eligible for the CDM because an Autism Spectrum Disorder is a chronic condition. The Medicare rebate is available for five sessions of Allied Health therapy, including Speech Pathology, per calendar year.

& Helping Children With Autism Medicare Rebates

For children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a total of 20 therapy sessions can be allocated, including Speech Pathology, until the child turns 15 years of age provided the diagnosis has been made before the child’s thirteenth birthday. Funding for these programs is transitioning to the NDIS as of the 31st of March 2021. It is important that you test your child’s eligibility for the NDIS as soon as possible so you do not experience a gap in services. To start the process of testing your child’s ability to access the NDIS, contact your Early Childhood partner or the NDIS National Call Centre on 1800 800 110 as soon as possible.

Carer Allowance

Carer Allowance is a financial aid scheme for parents or carers who provide daily support and care for a child under the age of 16 years with a disability or a medical condition. The care provided must be carried out either in your home or the home of the person you are caring for.

Eligibility

To begin the application process you need to contact Centrelink to register you intent to claim and complete the claim forms they provide. You will then need to provide all relevant supporting documentation to complete the online application process. After submitting your claim Centrelink will contact you to inform you of the outcome.

Financial Compensation

Carer Allowance when providing care for a child under 16 years is a fortnightly payment of $124.70 and a Health Care Card for the child.

The Carer Allowance is not taxable or income and assets tested.

Additional Information

Further information on this assistance allowance is available on the Department of Human Services, Carer’s Allowance website: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-allowance

Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan

The Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) Program is a Medicare rebate program for patients with chronic disease or complex care needs. This service requires patients to have a GP Management Plan (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangements (TCAs).

Eligibility

You may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for your speech pathology services if you have complex care needs that are being managed by your GP. It is up to the doctors discretion as to is the care plan is granted. The need for allied health services such as speech therapy must be directly related to your chronic condition.

Financial Compensation

If you have your care plan in place prior to your scheduled appointment you are entitled to up to five referrals for allied health services, such as speech therapy per year. Only your GP can decide whether you should be referred for these services, and the type and number of services required.

Box Hill Speech Pathology has met the specific eligibility criteria to provide this assistance package and is registered with Medicare Australia.

Further Information

Further information is available through the Department of Health Chronic Disease Management website: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-medicare-allied-health-brochure.htm

Health Insurance Fund Information

Speech pathology from private clinics is covered under many health insurance providers plans. However it is best to confirm that your level of cover allows you to a rebate before undertaking a course of therapy.