Funding
There are rebates and subsidies to assist you with reducing out of pocket speech pathology costs. Here we outline the key funding sources that our clients most commonly access.
Medicare
Chronic Disease Management
If you are referred by a GP under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, you or your child may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to 5 speech pathology health services per calendar year.
Your GP will decide if you are eligible for these services and will provide a referral.
M10 Rebate: Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder and Disability Services
Medicare will fund speech pathology for children and young people (before turning 25 years old) with the eligible criteria,
- Speech Sound Disorders
- Stuttering
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- Dysarthria
- Cleft Lip or Palate
Capped at 28 sessions a lifetime. Upto 8 sessions of Assessment & Management and upto 20 sessions of Treatment & Therapy.
Separate from Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) and can be used in addition to CCMP.
Your GP will determine whether you are eligible for the M10 Rebate.
Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) funding for assessment and treatment services for children and young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
HCWA referral is done by a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
NDIS
The NDIS is a Federal Government funding scheme to assist individuals aged 65-years and under diagnosed with a disability or chronic health conditions. To receive funding, you must be assessed to determine your eligibility.
For children under six years old, a Speech Pathologist can be the sole treating professional applying for NDIS funding for your children if they meet the criteria.
Useful links:
NDIS Access Checklist: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist
NDIS Contact Number: 1800 800 110
Private Health Insurance
Depending on your policy and extras cover, you may be eligible to claim Speech Pathology services through your private health insurance.
You will see these item numbers if you have the appropriate cover:
- 320 is the item number for a Speech Pathology Assessment
- 340 is the item number for a Speech Pathology therapy consultation.
Check with your health insurance to see if your specific level of cover entitles you to a rebate.
