For some time, consumers have been confused by the complexity of Home Care Package pricing, and concerned about some providers’ high administrative charges. After much consultation with senior Australians and their families, home care providers, consumer representatives and peak bodies, new reforms are making it easier for consumers to understand and compare costs.
Home care pricing Schedule
From 1 July, all home care providers must publish their pricing information on the My Aged Care website, using the new standardised home care pricing Schedule. The Schedule has information about common home care package services and their costs, and is meant to make it easy for people to understand and compare home care package prices. Providers must also publish their full price list – that is, prices for all the services and costs that may be charged.
Providers will now have to print a copy of the Schedule and include it in each person’s Home Care Agreement. Providers must then charge clients according to that Schedule, or, in limited circumstances, may discuss, agree and document any changes to these prices. Providers will no longer be allowed to charge separately for business-related costs. These changes take effect from 1 July 2019 for new clients, and from 1 July 2020 for existing clients.