Department publishes new SaH details
Mixed feedback follows the Department of Health and Aged Care’s release this week of a template for Support at Home monthly statements, client letters, and a payment claiming guide.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a template for Support at Home Monthly statements this week, which has drawn some criticism from providers as being vague and including the incorrect rate calculations of services. However, some are just happy it has been made available.
In a post on LinkedIn, Feros Care reform manager and quality lead Ben Happ questioned why the assistive technology administration and home modification coordination costs were listed as per hour rate types when they are a percentage, the vagueness of “wrap around services,” and why the department is itemising prescription rather than the clinical service that is prescribed – such as occupational therapy or physiotherapy.
On the same post DidYouGo founder, chief technology officer and managing director Luke Benson celebrated that the department took out showing which co-contributions have been paid or unpaid but questioned the sustainability and financial viability of sending a 10-page document every month.
Two types of letters were also sent out yesterday, one for older people approved for Home Care Packages before 12 September 2024 and one for those approved after 12 September 2024.
In the letters for pre-September, it notifies care recipients that Services Australia will be writing to tell them about what they “may” need to co-contribute to the cost of services. In the letters for post-September it says what they “will” need to contribute.
Mr Benson questioned the logic of this on LinkedIn, pointing out that it has been confirmed HCP clients who don’t currently pay an income tested care fee will not have to pay co-contributions, leaving letter recipients confused and providers to do the work of clarifying the contradicting messages.
The long-awaited Support at Home User Guide was released on the same day and explains how providers can submit SaH payment claims through the Services Australia Aged Care Provider Portal.
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