Funding

National Insurance Disability Scheme NDIS

The NDIS is a new way of providing individualised support for those with a disability, or those that may benefit from Early Intervention services to improve functioning affected by a disability. Under the NDIS, people with disability and their family will make their own decisions about supports they want and who will provide them. Therefore, the funding for these disability supports is allocated to the eligible individual or family and not to a service provider. This aims to focus on the individual needs and choices of individuals with a disability, supporting them to live life their way, achieve their goals and participate within the community. Eligibility is based on the individual needs of your child and the supports they may require to fulfil their goals.

For more information about the NDIS, roll-out schedule and individual eligibility go to www.ndis.gov.au.

Private Health Cover

Speech Pathology assessment and therapy sessions can be claimed through Private Health Cover under extras cover. The rebate per session and the number of sessions covered will depend on the client’s level of cover. The rebate for assessments is typically more than that for therapy sessions. A rebate may be somewhere between $30-$80 per therapy session for 10-16 sessions per calendar year, however this will vary depending on coverage and service provider. Prior to commending therapy, please check with your health funds to ensure that Speech pathology is included in your cover and the amount you are eligible to claim for each individual assessment and therapy session.

Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM)

Medicare provides a rebate for up to 5 Speech Pathology sessions per calendar year for individuals with chronic conditions and complex needs that require a multi-disciplinary approach (treatment from several health professionals). Eligible conditions are those that are likely to be present for 6 months or longer such as Autism, Dyspraxia, Learning disorders, Down syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Cleft Lip and Palate, chronic middle ear infections and intellectual disability.