Funding Options
NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS)
The NDIS is an Australia wide funding scheme for people with a disability. It is replacing many of the other funding schemes for children, including the Helping Children with Autism and Better Start packages. In order to qualify to access the NDIS a person must be:
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0-65 years old
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A permanent resident or Australian citizen
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Have a permanent/lifelong disability that impacts upon their everyday life
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People with a disability must meet certain criteria as determined on an individual basis to receive a package of funding for a 12-month period. The amount of funding that a person will be able to receive through the NDIS varies, as it is tailored to the individual following a needs-based assessment. The NDIS is not means tested, and the package of funding, known as a "plan" is reviewed annually. NDIS funds cannot be used with Medicare or private health fund rebates to pay for the same session.
Please see the NDIS website for more information.
Little Voices Speech Pathology provides services to plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants.
Please bring along your child’s NDIS reference number, plan dates and plan goals to your initial session to ensure we provide supports that meet the NDIS’ requirements.
Private health insurance
Health rebates for speech pathology service can be claimed through your private health insurance.
Contact your health insurance fund to see if your specific level of cover entitles you to a rebate for speech pathology services.
Medicare chronic disease management program (CDM)
Your child may be eligible for rebates under the Medicare items for complex and chronic conditions. Clients have complex care needs if they need ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team consisting of their GP and at least two other health care providers, one of which may be a speech pathologist. Eligibility for this plan is determined by GPs, based on your child’s level of need, and in these cases a partial refund for up to five services per calendar year is available.
If eligible, the GP will prepare a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements and make the referral to the speech pathologist using a CDM referral form.
Little Voices Speech Pathology has a medicare provider number which means we can provide services under Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Medicare items on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
The refund does not cover the full cost of sessions, and sessions must be paid in full prior to accessing refunds. We do not bulk bill. For more information contact your GP, or visit Speech Pathology Australia or The Department of Health.
carer payment
This is a supplementary payment for carers who provide additional daily care and attention for someone with a disability or medical condition. Some carers may use the payment for speech pathology services.
Speech pathologists are included on the list of treating health professionals who can complete the medical assessment for children. See Carer Allowance - Department of Human Services.