Department commissions research into client fees under CHSP

Commonwealth Home Support Program providers are being encouraged to take part in a national survey to provide feedback on the implementation of the government’s client contribution framework.

The Department of Health has commissioned ACIL Allen Consulting to collect information on the uptake of the fees framework, which was released in late 2015.

A principles-based fees framework was developed after the Federal Government backed away from its proposal to introduce a mandatory fees schedule for the home support program.

At the time, the government acknowledged concerns from service providers around charging fees for volunteer-run services particularly in meals, social support and community transport.

The national survey aims to identify barriers to the uptake of the framework and the range of client contributions for different service types across the country.

The Federal Government has sought to move towards greater national consistency in consumer fee arrangements and to increase client contributions for those with the capacity to pay.

The survey’s results will inform the development of a service provider guide.

The government has previously announced its intention to merge the CHSP and the home care packages program from 1 July 2018, which has significant implications for future fees arrangements.

For more information about the national survey click here.

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