Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Plan (Medicare EPC)
This is a Medicare initiative aimed at children and adults who have chronic problems. Chronic is defined as extending beyond 16 weeks. If your child has a communication problem and is under the care of two health professionals (either a Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Audiologist or Pediatrician), he may be eligible. The Enhanced Primary Care Plan needs to be completed by your G.P.
For more information visit the Department of Health & Ageing website.
FaHCSIA Funding for Autism
Children aged 6 years and under who are diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and are not yet at school are eligible for funding via the "Helping Children with Autism" package.
Funding of $12,000 over the 2 years before starting school is given to assist with the cost of early intervention services.
Families need to visit an Autism Advisor.
For more information visit the FaHCSIA website.
FaHCSIA Funding for Betterstart
Children under the age of 6 years with the following disabilities are able to access Betterstart Funding:
- Down Syndrom
- Cerebral Palsy
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Vision Impairments
- Hearing Impairments
Funding of up to $12,00 over the 2 years before starting school. For more information go to FaHCSIA Betterstart.
Private Health Funds
Speech Therapy is rebateable if you are in the top level of cover of private insurance. Each fund has a different rebate and limit on the total rebate eligible. Clients will need to contact their fund to get this information.