TALK reception staff are trained to assist you with the maze of paperwork that often accompanies funding applications. Please feel free to ask them for help.
The following Australian Government funding initiatives offer support for speech pathology services.
- NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) – funding support for children and adults with a significant and permanent disability.
- Helping Children with Autism Package – funding support for up to the age of 15 years.
- Chronic Disease Management Program – children all ages with a chronic medical condition may be able to access Medicare rebates to cover allied health services that help manage their condition.
NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency)
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA): The NDIA is a funding agency whose role is to support children and adults with a significant and permanent disability. Participants can access speech pathology support through NDIA to achieve their individual goals. TALK Speech Pathologists are eligible providers for clients who have a care plan from the NDIA. More information about this program is available from the National Disability Insurance Agency website.
To check whether your child may be eligible for support through this program please contact your local NDIA office on 1800 800 110.
Helping Children with Autism Package
The Helping Children with Autism Package assists children with autism or any other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) such as Rett’s Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome or childhood disintegrative disorder.
It includes the following components:
- Medicare rebates for a paediatrician or psychiatrist to diagnose and develop a treatment and management plan for a child under 13 years.
- Medicare rebates for eligible children to access up to 20 subsidised sessions from eligible audiologists, occupational therapists, optometrists, orthoptists, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech pathologists, after referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
See the Department of Health and Ageing website and contact TALK for more information.
Chronic Disease Management Program
For children diagnosed with a chronic condition by their GP, for example, dyspraxia, severe speech language and/or literacy difficulties.
Formerly known as Enhanced Primary Health Care Plan, this plan requires a referral from the child’s General Practitioner and offers up to five subsidised sessions to a range of Allied Health Professionals each year.
See the Department of Human Services website for more information and call your GP to discuss. Please feel free to contact TALK with any questions.
Private Health Cover
Speech Pathology services are covered by most private health care funds. Please contact your health care provider to check your eligibility for rebates. If your child has special needs, there are some government support options available to help minimise costs. Read the Funding Available page for more information, and please feel free to contact us to discuss.
Funding November 11th, 2015admin