Consumer Protections for Support at Home Prices

Starting on 1 July 2025, the Support at Home program will be launched. From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government will implement price caps for Support at Home services. Until then, providers will continue to set their own prices, as they have done under the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program.

If you are currently on the HCP Program, the prices for your services may change when you transition to the Support at Home program. Providers will discuss any price changes with you before asking for your agreement. The government has established protections to ensure that these prices are reasonable and transparent.

Benefits of Support at Home

• Increased funding to meet the needs of an ageing population.
• Higher maximum support levels, from $61,000 to $78,000, for complex care needs.
• More tailored support with eight levels of ongoing care.
• Focus on early interventions, assistive technology, home modifications, and palliative care.
• Increased places to reduce wait times and support more older people at home.

Price Changes

• Prices for services may change when transitioning from HCP to Support at Home.
• Prices will include all costs (e.g., wages, administration, transport) and be more transparent.
• No out-of-pocket payments for clinical care, but possible co-contributions for other services.

Ensuring Reasonable Prices

• Prices should reflect the actual cost of delivering services.
• Providers must publish standard prices on the My Aged Care website from 1 July 2025.
• The Department of Health and Aged Care and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will monitor pricing.

Consumer Actions

• If concerned about prices, speak to your provider or make a complaint to the Commission.
• Providers cannot charge for package management or travel separately.
• You can change providers at any time without entry or exit fees.

Support and Complaints

• Contact the Older Persons Advisory Network (OPAN) for assistance with complaints.
• Providers must not make misleading statements about prices under Australian Consumer Law.