We understand that speech pathology is an investment of parents’ time and money. Did you know there are some great avenues of funding to help families pay for speech pathology?
Your child may be eligible to receive funding through a number of sources, some of which are listed below.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding for speech pathology
Eligible children may be able to access government funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). First, find out more information on the NDIS website or by calling 1800 800 110. Then, submit a copy of your speech pathology report and any other reports that you may have available with your application. Once approved for funding, you meet with your Local Area Coordinator who will help guide you to service providers. Finally, if you feel overwhelmed by the process, a Support Coordinator can help you build skills to make future dealings with the NDIS funding process easier.
Medicare funding and Speech Pathology (CDMP)
In addition, Medicare rebates are available to help pay for speech pathology. Eligibility is determined by your general practitioner (GP). Firstly, the GP will meet with you and your child and write a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) (formerly Enhanced Primary Care Plan). Then, they fax the plan to your nominated speech pathologist. With this plan, your child may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of up to 5 sessions per calendar year. A gap fee will apply and is something that you pay on the day of your appointment. So, book an appointment with your general practitioner to check eligibility!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan (ATSI Health Plan)
If you are indigenous, you may be able to access another source of Medicare funding. Similar to a CDMP, your child may be eligible for a Medicare rebate of up to 5 sessions per calendar year (in addition to those provided under a CDMP). A gap fee will apply and is something that you pay on the day of your appointment. Similar to the CDMP, you can book an appointment with your general practitioner to determine eligibility.
Private Health Insurance
Most private health insurers offer speech pathology rebates. Contact your insurance provider directly to determine how much your speech pathology cover you have.
If you want to know more about any of the funding sources available contact us today.
