Understanding Participant Contributions and Pricing in Support at Home

The transition to the Support at Home program introduces a new framework for participant contributions and pricing, and providers have a key role in helping participants understand these changes. Transparency and communication are paramount.

Providers must assist participants in understanding the new contributions framework and how it applies to them. An online estimator is available on the My Aged Care website to help with these conversations, providing an initial guide to potential costs. For many participants, Services Australia will already have their income and assets information and will advise on their specific contribution rate after November 1st.

Crucially, participants have the right to wait for this advice from Services Australia before signing their new agreement. Providers cannot cease services during this waiting period. They also have the option to sign the agreement before receiving this information, should they choose to.

When it comes to pricing, the new rules are clear: prices must be reasonable, transparent, and based on the actual costs of delivering the service. Providers cannot charge new prices without the participant's agreement. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has been granted powers to monitor and enforce these pricing obligations. If a provider cannot demonstrate that their pricing is reasonable, they may face non-compliance notices and even infringement notices.

To navigate this landscape, providers can leverage onboarding technology that includes integrated pricing and budget management tools. This can help ensure that prices are accurately reflected and that all costs are transparently outlined in the service agreement, providing clear evidence of how prices were determined and ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

Call Debra on 1300 664 130 to discuss how you are currently signing up your care recipients and if Care Collaborator can help you do it more efficiently.