LATEST NEWS
Blair Comely the New Secretary of Department of Health and Aged Care
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Blair Comley will be the new Secretary of the Department of Health and Age Care. Mr. Comley is currently serving as a director and partner at EY Port Jackson Partners, a business management consultant in Sydney. Mr Comley will serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care for a period of five years, commencing on 17 July 2023. The Prime Minister acknowledged the service of the previous Secretary of the Department of Health Professor Brendan Murphy, who served in this position since 2020.
Deactivation of the My Aged Care Fax Number
The Department of Health and Aged Care will be deactivating the My Aged Care fax number (1800 728 174) on Monday 31 July 2023. Please use the following alternative arrangements to send a referral or information:
- Make a referral – online tool on the My Aged Care website to refer a patient or client for an assessment.
- GP e-Referral – refer patients or clients to My Aged Care from your practice management systems.
- My Aged Care contact centre – call the contact centre on 1800 200 422.
- Appointment of a support person – complete this form digitally by using Adobe PDF Fill and Sign.
For further questions email [email protected]
CHSP Providers: 2024-2025 Extension and Recovering Unspent Grant Funding
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) has been extended until 30 June 2025. As soon as the Department has finalised the 2023-24 contracts, they will begin the 2024-25 extension. In July 2023, the Department will also begin the recovery of any CHSP unspent funds during 2021-22 which was not captured in any contract write-down processes, and will notify affected providers. CHSP providers may not carry over unspent funding except for any new funding approved in 2022-23.
State of the Older Nation: 2023 Report Findings
This survey and subsequent report by The COTA Federation contains many insights into the experience and needs of people over 50. It follows two previous surveys completed in 2018 and 2021. The survey gathered information from respondents about their experiences on the decline in standards of living, the housing crisis, and employment and financial security. Respondents shared feelings of concern about their risk of homelessness, vulnerable circumstances and financial stress.
Final Date for Revised COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Extension Grant Claims
This grant, which closed for applications on 31 March 2023, has been allowing providers to submit revisions to rectify errors in their claims or submit a late invoice from a vendor. These revisions have been submitted for consideration on a case-by-case basis, and has led to delays in processing claims. Providers have until 30 June 2023, after which no more revised claims will be accepted. These should be submitted by email to [email protected].
Quality Indicator Reporting: New Process via GPMS
The Government Provider Management System (GPMS) will go live in July to be able to access Quality Indicators, Provider Operations, and 24/7 nursing reporting. A GPMS profile will automatically be created for all existing users of the quality indicator reporting function in the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal; the function within My Aged Care will be decommissioned at this time. All quality indicator data for Quarter 4 2022-23 is to be submitted in GPMS by Friday 21 July 2023. Existing QI reporting users will receive an email with instructions on how to prepare to login to GPMS, to facilitate access in July. Home Care providers will also gain access to GPMS in July 2023.
For more assistance call the My Aged Care Provider and Assessor Helpline on 1800836799.
EnCOMPASS Transition to Care Finder
EnCOMPASS has spent a number of years providing personalized support helping older people of Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and their communities. The program is now coming to an end at the end of June 2023, to be replaced by the Care Finder Program, which will help them access services in the aged care system, as well as resources and other guidance.
