Agreements and Budgets
When a service provider offers you a Home Care Package, they will need to work in partnership with you to develop a budget to fund your individual care plan. Providers must provide a copy of the care plan to clients within 14 days of entering into a Home Care Agreement.
All care and services provided to you through a Home Care Package must be able to be paid for within the package budget. The provider must show you how they will use the funds to pay for each of the services listed in the your care plan, publish their fees which should assist in choosing a provider and provide you with a copy of your pricing schedule.
Your service provider holds the budget with respect to your care plan and it is made up of:
- An Australian Government subsidy (and eligible supplements)
- The basic daily care fee which all consumers receiving a Home Care Package can be asked to pay
- Your income tested care fee which you may need to pay, depending on your assessable income
- any other amount you may agree with your service provider.
Once services commence the service provider must give you monthly statements to show you - ideally in a plain and simple format - how your budget is being spent under the package and the balance of funds. Any unspent funds must be rolled over from month to month and year to year for as long as you remain in the package. Note that provider case and package management fees can exceed 30% of the budget provided.
Do not hesitate to seek clarifications from providers if you have any questions about budget items or how the service works.
If you would like to arrange professional advice in relation to the above matters, please complete the Inquiry form below providing details and you will be contacted accordingly. You will receive a fee quotation in advance of any advice or services being provided.