The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has introduced new pricing guidance to empower in-home aged care providers under the Support at Home program. With the program set to commence on July 1, 2025, providers will retain the autonomy to establish their service prices during the initial year, akin to the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) Program. However, starting from July 1, 2026, the government will enforce price caps on these services.
The pricing for Support at Home services will encompass the total expenses associated with service delivery, encompassing package management, labor costs, transport, and other relevant factors. The pricing guidance has been meticulously crafted in collaboration with in-home aged care providers. It includes a fact sheet designed to assist providers in determining and disclosing their Support at Home prices effectively. Additionally, there is a summary of indicative prices to aid providers in assessing their pricing against market standards.
Ahead of the Support at Home program’s rollout in 2025, providers are advised to engage in discussions regarding pricing modifications with their HCP care recipients. Care recipients will be required to endorse a new service agreement, and providers must be prepared to publish their prices on both their website and My Aged Care profile. The government has implemented safeguards to ensure that older individuals can be confident that Support at Home prices are reasonable and transparent.
For further details on consumer protections concerning Support at Home prices, comprehensive factsheets have been made available for both providers and older individuals. These resources aim to enhance transparency and understanding within the aged care sector.
The new pricing guidance signifies a positive step towards enhancing the accessibility and affordability of in-home aged care services. By providing clear directives and support, the Australian Government is fostering a more transparent and consumer-friendly environment within the aged care industry. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting the well-being and quality of life for older citizens in need of care and support.
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