Funding for Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) funded services has been extended for a further year to ensure older Australians continue to have access to services.
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Senator Jacinta Collins, has approved the extension of funding from 30 June 2014 to 30 June to align funding end dates for all Commonwealth HACC funded services and smooth the transition to the new Commonwealth Home Support Program, which is part of the Living Longer Living Better reforms.
“Older Australians will continue to access care, while providers will have certainty about funding, which is important in managing and planning staffing and services,” Ms Collins said.
The Commonwealth Home Support Program, which starts on 1 July 2015, is a new and streamlined approach combining basic home support services, such as Commonwealth HACC program for older people, the National Respite for Carers Program, the Day Therapy Centres program and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged program.
“This will provide a comprehensive program of basic home support for older Australians so they can stay at home, and reduce red tape for service providers,” Senator Collins said.
The Department of Health and Ageing will be in contact with Commonwealth HACC service providers to discuss administrative arrangements for contract extensions.
Alternatively, service providers can contact the HACC Provider Helpdesk on 1800 057 616 or HACC.Reform@health.gov.au. The Aged Care Provider Portal will be updated with relevant information.
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