AGED CARE REFORMS
& TRANSITION NEWS
New Pricing Risk Assessments for Residential Aged Care
Quarter 4 (April to June) will see new pricing risk assessments introduced, which will help the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to understand common errors in financial reporting in residential aged care, and improve the accuracy of pricing and policy decisions. It should be noted that pricing risk assessments are not a compliance activity, however the data gathered will assist the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) in setting accurate pricing.
Have Your Say: Higher Everyday Living Fee Provider and Aged Care Worker Survey
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is seeking feedback on providers’ experiences in managing and delivering services under the new Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) arrangements which commenced on 1 November 2025. The survey closes on 7 April 2026.
Updated Schedules for Residential Care and Support at Home
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published new Schedules for residential care and Support at Home. These Schedules have been updated to align with indexation, and the rates took effect from 20 March 2026.
Schedule of fees and charges for residential care
Schedule of subsidies and supplements for residential and transition care
Webinar: Getting the Services You Need – Support at Home
When: 31 March 2026, 1.00pm-2.00pm AEDT
Where: Online
How much: Free
This webinar and Q&A session by Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) will cover service agreements, how fee waivers and the financial hardship application process work, and the role of care management. It will help to keep service users informed when making decisions in order to meet their needs and maintain their independence.
Aged Care Worker Screening Guidance Material
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has updated the guidance material which supports registered providers delivering funded aged care services in understanding and complying with the new worker screening requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024 and the Aged Care Rules 2025.
Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Support at Home Aged Care Services 2027–28
IHACPA has released the Consultation Paper on the Pricing Framework for Australian Support at Home Aged Care Services 2027–28, and is seeking feedback from providers, peak bodies, in-home aged care participants, and the general public. Data collected through this consultation will ensure that IHACPA’s advice for the Support at Home service list meets the needs of the in-home aged care sector and reflects the cost of delivering care. Consultation closes on 10 April 2026.
