Fees & Rebates
We’re here to make it easy for you.
Know your options
A sound knowledge of the available funding options for your child and family will help in making informed decisions regarding their care. It can also make accessing therapy more affordable.
Rebates and Programs
Follow the links below for some overview information on rebates and programs applicable to psychologists’ services.
If you’re finding it a bit too much to take in, just give us a call. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Medicare Rebates
We all would like a little extra in the purse. Check out your plan or package below to see how you can save.
Mental Health Care Plans (MHCP)
General practitioners (GPs) may prepare a ‘Better Access’ Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) to refer their patients for psychological support. MHCPs can be used by patients to access both individual and group sessions. Eligibility is assessed by your GP, with close monitoring and review by your GP recommended.
A standard ‘Better Access’ Plan will allow for six therapy sessions, then following a GP review you may be eligible for another four sessions, amounting to a maximum of 10 claimable sessions per calendar year. Medicare pays a rebate for the cost of these sessions – this rebate is higher if families have reached their Medicare Safety Net threshold.
Our Registered Psychologists currently attract a minimum $86.15 rebate under the ‘Better Access’ MHCP.
Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) and Chronic Disease Management (CDM) PlanS
GPs can also prepare EPC or CDM Plans for children who require access to a number of different therapy services. These referrals can be used to access psychology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, paediatric physiotherapy and more.
An EPC or CDP referral allows a child to access up to five therapy sessions over a 12-month period. Medicare pays a rebate (current minimum $53.80) for the cost of these sessions, which is higher if families have already reached their Medicare Safety Net threshold.
Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) PACKAGE THROUGH MEDICARE
These referrals are for the assessment, diagnosis and/or treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Medicare pays a rebate for a set number of psychological, speech and occupational therapy services (current minimum $86.15 rebate per session). Families may be eligible to claim a greater rebate if their Medicare Safety Net threshold has been reached.
Under the HWCA Medicare program, a child can be referred by a consultant paediatrician or psychiatrist for the following allied health services:
- up to four diagnostic/assessment services delivered by psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists, optometrists, orthoptists or physiotherapists to assist the referring practitioner with diagnosis or to contribute to a treatment and management plan for a child under 13 years of age
- up to 20 treatment services delivered by psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists, optometrists, orthoptists or physiotherapists for a child under 15 years of age, providing a treatment and management plan is in place before their 13th birthday.
Medicare Safety Net Threshold
The Medicare Safety Net Threshold provides financial assistance for individuals and families who accrue high out-of-pocket expenses for out-of-hospital Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) services.
Once you have reached your Medicare Safety Net Threshold you may be eligible for additional Medicare rebate assistance for MBS services for the remainder of the calendar year. You can find more information on the Medicare Safety Net Threshold at www.humanservices.gov.au
Telehealth Services
Not able to come into the clinic? We provide Telehealth services including phone and online video consultations.
PRIVATE CLIENTS
You may be eligible to claim rebates for Telehealth therapy through your private health insurance. Heartful Minds is registered with all major private health insurance providers. Speak directly with your health fund for further information regarding your eligibility.
NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS) CLIENTS
You can access Telehealth services under your current NDIS plan.
MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN (MHCP) CLIENTS
Medicare has released new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item codes, allowing those holding a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) to continue to use their plan online through Telehealth sessions via video and phone. Rebates are accessed after payment of the standard fee.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Heartful Minds can provide services for NDIS participants..
What is NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way of providing support for Australians with disability, their families and carers. As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early on to improve their outcomes later in life.
The NDIS gives 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. The NDIS supports people with disability to build skills and capability so they can participate in the community and employment.
The NDIS helps people with disability to:
- Access mainstream services and supports. These are the services available for all Australians from providers like doctors or teachers through the health and education systems. It also covers areas like public housing and the justice and aged care systems
- Access community services and supports. These are activities and services available to everyone in a community such as sports clubs, community groups, libraries or charities
- Maintain informal support arrangements. This is the help people get from their family and friends. It is support people don’t pay for and is generally part of most people’s lives
- Receive reasonable and necessary funded supports. The NDIS can pay for supports that are reasonable and necessary. This means they are related to a person’s disability and are required for them to live an ordinary life and achieve their goals.
Assistance from the NDIS is not means tested and has no impact on income support such as the Disability Support Pension and Carers Allowance.
Source: www.ndis.gov.au
