The Department of Health released over 14,000 home care packages in March with the majority to consumers who had never previously held a home care package. The release also assigned packages to consumers who were currently in care but were awaiting a package at their approved level.
The department will now move to a more regular release schedule, with packages likely to be released weekly.
All clients who receive a package will receive a letter with a unique referral code.
Clients accessing care for the first time will be encouraged to research providers using the service finder or by contacting My Aged Care to help them. These clients can either take their referral code to their chosen provider or ask the contact centre to send an electronic referral on their behalf.
Providers are encouraged to update their information in the provider portal to show consumers the services they genuinely offer and the associated costs.
Information is not yet available on expected wait times or position in the queue. This is because the system is new and the department needs time to analyse the take up of home care packages, and ensure that meaningful information is available. Data on wait times should be published in the second half of this year.
Information resources for consumers and providers
View the embedding support webinar
Source: Department of Health