Medicare

** A bulk billed service is available for some clients **

There are a range of Medicare rebates available to children and adolescence. Although, there is certain criteria that one must meet in order to be eligible for these rebates. It is best to speak with your GP or paediatrician in order to determine your eligibility. The following outlines the different plans available from Medicare.

1. Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM)

The CDM plan, formally known as an Enhanced Primary Care Plan (EPC) is managed by your GP and available to children and adults with chronic care needs. This plan provides a Medicare rebate on up to 5 sessions of allied health therapy per calendar year.

2. Helping Children With Autism Medicare Rebates (HCWA)

The HCWA Initiative provides a Medicare rebate for Assessment and Treatment for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This plan is initiated by your Paediatrician. Your Paediatrician can allocate up to 4 sessions for assessment for which rebates are available up until your child turns 13 years of age. A total of 20 therapy sessions can then be allocated (as a once off), until your child turns 15 years of age.

3. Better Start Medicare Rebates

This initiative assists children with disabilities including; Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, Fragile X syndrome, vision or hearing impairment, Prader Willi syndrome, Williams syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Kabuki syndrome, Smith-Magenis syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, ‘Cri du Chat' syndrome or Microcephaly. This plan is initiated by your Paediatrician or GP. 
Your Paediatrician or GP can allocate up to 4 sessions for assessment and treatment planning for which rebates are available up until the child turns 13 years of age. A total of 20 therapy sessions can then be allocated (as a once off), until your child turns 15 years of age.

4. Better Access To Mental Health Care

If you believe you are experiencing mental health difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, alcohol or other drugs misuse, or adjustment difficulties; you might wish to talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a Mental Health Care Plan. Under the Better Access initiative, eligible people can receive up to 10 individual and/or group therapy Medicare rebated sessions in a calendar year.

5. Pregnancy Support Counselling

This scheme is available for women with a current or recent pregnancy (within the last 12 months) who have any concerns, such as decisions about the future, adjustment following the pregnancy, or general issues related to a pregnancy. The partner of the client can also attend the counselling session, if appropriate. Medicare rebates are available for up to 3 visits per pregnancy.

Please Note:
In order to utilise these care plans, you must provide your referral plan from your GP or paediatrician prior to the session on which you wish to claim. Rebateable sessions can only be provided after the date of the referral.