We understand that funding private therapy for your child can be difficult. Below is a list of options that may assist in reducing the financial burden, by covering some or all of the cost.
Please note that the full fee of the service provided by Connected Kids Allied Health must be paid before claiming any rebates from Medicare or Private Health Insurance.
Private Health Insurance
Connected Kids Allied Health is registered for you to claim services through your Private Health Insurance. Given that you will need to be listed/registered for the allied health services we provide, we recommend that you contact your insurer to find out what rebate you will be able to claim.
Medicare
Connected Kids Allied Health can offer three services under Medicare claiming.
Chronic Disease Management Plan (formerly ECP plan)
The Chronic Diseases Management Plan (CDM) is a Medicare-rebated funding program for people who have chronic medical conditions (present for at least 6 months).
It consists of 5 (maximum) rebates per calendar year for Allied Health services (ie. Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Psychology). If you are accessing more than one type of therapy you are entitled to share the CDM sessions across the therapists.
Mental Health Care Plans
The Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a Medicare-rebated funding program for people who experience mental health conditions (ie. anxiety, depression). Your child’s Paediatrician or GP may consider your child to be eligible for Occupational Therapy services under a Mental Health Care Plan, item number 80135.
With a Mental Health Care Plan you would be able to claim for ten Occupational Therapy sessions per calendar year. Initially, the treating doctor will refer you for six sessions and then following a review you may be eligible for four more sessions.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Plan
The Autism plan is a Medicare-rebated funding scheme that has been put in place to help fund assessment and therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The funding scheme provides funding for eligible children to access 4 sessions for assessment and 20 sessions for therapy with Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists or Psychologists.
The plan can be issued by a general practitioner or by a specialist (i.e. Paediatrician) or consultant physician. Your child’s treatment plan must be in place before their 13th birthday, and the sessions must be used before they turn 15.
If your child is eligible for the above funding options, please advise us at point of referral and provide a copy of the plan. Because Connected Kids Allied Health charges more than the rebate amount provided by Medicare, full payment will need to be paid by the parents before the rebate can be claimed through Medicare, which we can do on the spot for you.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a relatively new scheme offering support across the disability sector in Australia.
NDIS offers an information and referral service to any Australian with any level of disability, including access to specialist disability support services.
If your child is eligible for NDIS, you will receive funding on an annual basis to buy the services and aids your child needs to achieve your goals and optimal independence.
You decide how you would like the funds managed (ie. self-managed or managed by a plan-management provider)
NDIS has been rolled out across the Central Highlands region. Please follow this link for further information regarding the NDIS.
Our participant handbook, containing all the relevant information for our participants + their families can be found here.