Health advocate Brad Rossiter has welcomed a NSW Government boost to travel subsidies for rural patients.
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The government has announced financial help for rural and regional patients who must travel to access high-quality medical care.
“We are delivering on our election commitment to significantly increase the Isolated Patients Transport and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS),” Bega MP Andrew Constance said.
Enhancements to IPTAAS, which took effect this week, include increased fuel and accommodation subsidies.
Mr Rossiter lost both legs and much of his sight due to diabetes.
The Surfside resident said the subsidy boost was vital.
“It is a very important issue,” he said.
“It is a step in the right direction for our community.”
The fuel subsidy will be increased from 19 cents to 22 cents per kilometre, the commercial accommodation subsidy for eight-to 14-night stays will be increased from $43 to $80 - (single room) per night, and $60 to $105 (double room) per night, and the commercial accommodation subsidy for 15-night-plus stays will go from $43 to $105 (single room) per night and from $60 to $120 (double room) per night.
The patient co-payment of $40 will be reduced to $30 - and capped at a total of four co-payments per financial year. The co-payment is levied on each claim submitted by patients who are not pensioners or health care cardholders.
It is levied weekly for patients travelling a cumulative total of 200km per week.
Travel for prosthetic/orthotic services from qualified practitioners will now be eligible for IPTAAS as the first part of a move to subsidise travel to access certain highly specialised health services.
Other changes to IPTAAS include simplified paperwork and the creation of a dedicated 1800 number to streamline patient and carer inquiries.
Fine out more about IPTAAS subsidies and entitlement, on www.IPTAAS.health.nsw.gov.au or on 1800 478 227 (1800 IPTAAS).
