Speech Therapy Funding Options
One of the biggest barriers to accessing speech therapy for families can be the cost. Navigating the various options for funding does get confusing at times, particularly for those new to accessing allied health services. Some of the options available to families include:
Medicare - Care Plan
Some children may be eligible for a care plan at their GP’s discretion. To be eligible for a care plan, the child needs to be accessing services from two allied health services. This could include speech pathology, audiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy (amongst others). To obtain a care plan, the family will need to book an appointment with their child’s GP. If a care plan is provided, a Medicare rebate for up to 5 sessions can be accessed with the family paying the gap of the session. The rebate is approximately $58 per session, though we recommend families check for updated rebate amounts!
Private Health Insurance
Most private health insurance offer cover for Speech Pathology if the family has it on their level of cover. As each private health cover is different, we recommend families contact their own insurer to find out if they will be able to access a rebate. Private health and Medicare rebates can not be simultaneously used on the same session.
Public System – Child Development Services (CDS).
Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Occupational Therapy and Paediatricians can be accessed through the CDS. The waitlist is often longer than private services (over a year). Clients with NDIS funding are not eligible for the public system.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
NDIS requires a formal diagnosis of disability for ages 7 and up. Applications can be made via their website https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis
Children under 7 do not require a formal diagnosis. NDIS funding can be accessed for children requiring two or more services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. The funding is provided through Wanslea, and the services offered differ from those offered through a full NDIS plan. You can find out more about the Early Childhood Approach on their website https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childhood-approach-children-younger-7.
Our speech pathologists are also able to advise which funding options are suitable, provide referral letters and support parents with accessing various funding options as needed.