In the
2020-21FY, the Department of Health (DH) provided additional funding for a term
of four years to the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program (LCGP). The objective
of the additional funding was to increase access to an approved range of subsidised
garments and the number of consumers supported.
Review of demand
trends since the injection of additional funds has identified that the program
has had a far greater reach for this consumer cohort and enabled introduction
of an increased range of garments.
Through
feedback channels, processes implemented have appeared to unfairly disadvantage
consumers in relation to the funding they receive, based on the number of
garments they need per limb or number of limbs affected. This has created confusion
for consumers and placed extra administrative burden for Practitioners,
Suppliers and SWEP staff and does not align with the overarching subsidy limits
by equipment category across other Victorian Aids & Equipment programs.
Consultation has been undertaken to review data to ensure parity can be achieved for all LCGP consumers. Considerations included:
The DH has
now approved further changes to the way we manage applications for LCGP
consumers, to be implemented from July
1, 2022 of a flat rate maximum subsidy per annum for both off the shelf and
made to measure garments per body part/limb. This change will ensure greater
equity for all eligible consumers.
Please see
the excerpt from the LCGP Operational Policies which outline the changes in the
table below:
Available items
|
Maximum subsidy
|
Practitioner qualification
|
Items available per year;
Garments are available for limbs only.
SWEP do not fund
padding or additional liners
Single Limb - off the shelf, ready to wear or wraps
Single Limb - Made to Measure
Bi Lateral - off the shelf, ready to wear or wraps
Bi Lateral - Made to Measure
Donner subsidy available as 'once off' only
|
$250 per annum
$550 per annum
$500 per annum
$1,100 per annum
$60 once only
|
Current general AHPRA registration as an Occupational Therapist
OR Physiotherapist
OR Registered Nurse
OR Nurse Practitioner
OR Medical Practitioner
WITH
completion of an Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) endorsed
course (consistent with the scope of practice of your primary health profession, your role and chosen scope of practice)
OR
ALA Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner on the National Lymphoedema
Practitioner Register
|
What does this mean for existing
LCGP consumers?
All applications received post
July 1, 2022 will be managed accordingly.
If you have any questions please
contact our team on 1300 747 937 and select Option 1, Option 4.