New Support at Home Pricing Changes: What It Means for You
A Major Shift in Aged Care Pricing
The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the pricing arrangements for in-home aged care services under the upcoming Support at Home program. These changes aim to create a more transparent, fair, and sustainable pricing structure for older Australians receiving care at home. As a trusted aged care provider, El Pinoy Care Services is here to help you navigate these updates and understand what they mean for you or your loved ones.
Staged Introduction of Price Caps
A key change is the staged introduction of government-set price caps on services. While providers, including El Pinoy Care Services, will continue to set their own prices during the program's first year (starting 1 July 2025), price caps will take effect from 1 July 2026. This phased approach ensures a smooth transition while maintaining high-quality care services.
Stronger Consumer Protections
To protect older Australians from excessive fees and hidden charges, the government will introduce new consumer protection measures. These include:
No entry, exit, or hidden fees, ensuring full transparency in pricing.
A "no worse off" principle, ensuring eligible participants won't pay more than they currently do, based on financial assessments and government conditions.
A lifetime cap of $130,000 on co-contributions, preventing excessive out-of-pocket expenses.
A financial safety net for those unable to make co-contributions, ensuring continued access to quality care.
What This Means for Providers Like El Pinoy Care Services
From 1 July 2025, aged care providers must:
Discuss and agree on any price changes with participants starting in April 2025.
Provide monthly financial statements with clear details on services and costs.
Submit pricing information to the Department of Health and Aged Care for publication on My Aged Care.
Publish a full price schedule on their own websites for easy access.
At El Pinoy Care Services, we are committed to transparency and fairness in pricing. We will work closely with our participants to ensure they understand and feel confident about their care costs.
Government Oversight and Support for Remote Providers
To maintain accountability, the Department of Health and Aged Care will monitor provider pricing throughout the first year. This will help identify and address any pricing concerns. Additionally, thin markets grants will be available to support the financial viability of providers operating in rural and remote areas.
Join Our “Support at Home” Seminar – 1 April 2025
We understand that these changes can be overwhelming, and we want to ensure our clients and community are fully informed. That’s why we’re hosting a Support at Home Seminar on 1 April 2025 to explain these updates, answer your questions, and help you understand how they may impact you or your loved ones.
Support at Home Seminar
📅 Date: 1 April 2025
📍 Location: El Pinoy Care Services Head Office
🕘 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join us for this important discussion and gain clarity on what these changes mean for your aged care services.
Spots are limited 🔗 reserve your spot today! Register here
Stay Informed & Stay Supported
The Support at Home program brings promising improvements to aged care, ensuring greater transparency and affordability. By staying informed and choosing a provider that prioritizes your well-being, you can confidently navigate these changes and continue receiving the quality care you deserve.
For further information, visit the official Department of Health and Aged Care website here.
