Medicare rebates and Private Health Fund rebates may be available to you when you receive psychological services. Please refer to the information below for more details.
Medicare
The Australian Government has introduced new Medicare rebates for psychological treatment by Registered Psychologists. This service provides considerable assistance to people living with mental health problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare.
Under the new Medicare scheme, all Registered Psychologists who are endorsed by Medicare Australia can provide treatment for mental health problems.
New Medicare services promote a team approach to mental health care, with general practitioners, psychiatrists and paediatricians encouraged to work with psychologists, and other allied mental health professionals as well as mental health nurses, to increase the availability of care.
Mental Health Care Plan
The Mental Health Care Plan is an option available to all Australians with a diagnosis of a specific mental health disorder that is being managed by a General Practitioner (GP) under a GP Mental Health Care Plan, or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan, or on direct referral from a psychiatrist or a paediatrician (for treatment of a child). Some examples of disorders are; Anxiety, Depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorders, Sleep Problems, Eating Disorders, and other mental health disorders.
Most GP’s will require you to book a long consultation to allow adequate time to co-ordinate the Mental Health Care Plan and discuss treatment options. Please speak with your own GP practice as to their booking requirements.
Please note there will be an out-of-pocket amount payable by the person attending appointments with Active Psychology. This out-of-pocket amount represents the monetary difference between the Medicare rebate listed above, and the total cost of appointments with Active Psychology. Please also note that you cannot you cannot claim Private Health Fund insurance for sessions for which you claim the Medicare rebate.
Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC)
Patients who have a chronic condition and complex care needs that are being managed by their GP under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan may be eligible to receive Medicare rebates for Psychologist services and certain other Allied Health Professionals. A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for 6 months or longer. Patients have complex care needs if they need ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team consisting of their GP and at least 2 other health care providers.
This program is initiated by your local GP. Your GP will determine if you are eligible, and if so, coordinate an Enhanced Primary Care Plan for the relevant allied health services. Some GP practices require a double session appointment to organise this, so it’s a good idea to check with the GP practice receptionist regarding these plans.
Please note there will be an out-of-pocket amount payable by the person attending appointments with Active Psychology. This out-of-pocket amount represents the monetary difference between the Medicare rebate, and the total cost of appointments with Active Psychology. Please also note that you cannot you cannot claim Private Health Fund insurance for sessions for which you claim the Medicare rebate.
Helping Children with Autism Package (HCWA)
The HCWA package provides for diagnosis and early intervention treatment for children with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Rett’s Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. It is important that you take your child to see your General Practitioner (GP). Your GP will consider your child's condition and decide whether to refer your child to a psychiatrist or paediatrician. To access this Medicare funding a referral from psychiatrist or paediatrician is required.
Private Health Funds
Private Health fund rebates for registered psychological services are provided by most health funds under their ancillary/extra tables. These rebates differ depending on your health fund, and your level of cover. Please check with your health fund for further details.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way of providing support for Australians with disability, their families and carers. The NDIS will provide qualifying Australians with a qualifying permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. The NDIS gives all Australians peace of mind that if their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability they will get the support they need.
|
