Caregiver Information

Funding Options

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Hurstspeech works with many children on the NDIS. We provide service agreement plans, support with funding applications and 1:1 Speech Pathology. Hurstspeech will provide services to families who are planned managed or self-managed.

Your child may be eligible for NDIS support if they have a diagnosed disability.
Your child has ongoing difficulties.
Your child has difficulties across multiple areas of development.
Are an Australian citizen or have a Permanent Residency
For further information please refer to the NDIS website

Helping Children with Autism Package

Children with suspected autism or autism are eligible for funding under this Medicare Benefits Scheme.

Clients must be under 13 years of age at the time of diagnosis and under 15 years of age when receiving treatment
The paediatrician can allocate up to 20 sessions for treatment from allied health disciplines, including speech pathology.
The treatment can be provided under this scheme until the child is 15 years of age. The rebate for this Medicare Benefits Schedule is $72.95 from the total cost of each therapy session.
A Paediatrician or Psychiatrist determines the child’s eligibility for the program.
The client will need a referral from their GP to see the Paediatrician or Psychiatrist.

Medicare Benefit Schemes (MBS)

Chronic Disease Management Item – for people with chronic conditions and complex care needs (Previously known as the Enhanced Primary Care EPC Program)

Your child may be eligible for this MBS if they are considered by their GP to have a chronic medical condition. A chronic medical condition is one that has been (or is likely to be) present for six months or longer. Individuals with a special needs diagnosis (e.g. autism, cerebral palsy) are automatically eligible for this service.
This MBS allows up to 5 sessions of Allied Health therapy, including Speech Pathology, per calendar year to be refunded at $52.95, per session, from the total cost of each session.
To find out if your child is eligible for funding under this Medicare Benefit Schedule, discuss with your GP:
1. The following describes the referral pathway for this Medicare Benefit Scheme:
2. GP visit to determine eligibility
3. GP prepares a referral to an allied health specialist (e.g. Speech Pathologist)
4. GP prepares an EPC Program
5. Up to five allied health sessions are partially rebated each calendar year