Funding schemes for Paediatric Speech Pathology Services 

1. FaHCSIA’s Helping Children with Autism (HCWA)

This clinic is an approved provider of early intervention services for children diagnosed with autism.  Eligible children are able to access up to $12,000 in funding (capped at $6000 per financial year) for therapy services until the child turns 7. 

2. Better Start for Children with Disability (Better Start) This funding initiative supports children diagnosed with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Deafblindness, Hearing and Vision impairment, Fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Williams syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Kabuki syndrome, Smith-Magenic syndrome, CHARGE syndrome, Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, Rett’s Disorder, Cri du Chat syndrome and Microcephaly. Eligible children are able to access up to $12,000 (capped at $6,000 per financial year) for therapy services until the child turns 7. 

3. Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan See your GP to discuss your child’s eligibility for the CDM Plan. The child’s difficulties have to be deemed chronic and complex, requiring the intervention of more than 2 healthcare professionals. This plan allows for Medicare rebates up to a maximum of 5 sessions per calendar year. 
 

4. Medicare item numbers for children with ASD / disability 

Eligible children seen by a Paediatrician are able to access up to 20 treatment sessions before the child turns 15 years.

5. Private Health Insurance

Children who are covered for Speech Pathology services under their private health schemes. 

Funding Schemes for Adult Speech Pathology Services 

1. Department of Veteran Affairs 

This clinic is a registered service provider to DVA patients. 

2. Lifetime Care and Support Authority 

Patients after MVAs who are eligible to receive funding for intervention services under Lifetime Care & Support. 

3. Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers who are eligible for insurance compensations. 

4. Private Health Insurance

Patients who are covered for Speech Pathology services under their private health schemes. 

5. Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan See your GP to discuss your eligibility for the CDM Plan. The patient’s difficulties have to be deemed chronic and complex, requiring the intervention of more than 2 healthcare professionals. This plan allows for Medicare rebates up to a maximum of 5 sessions per calendar year.