Overview

The Aged Care Access Initiative (ACAI) commenced in July 2009 and has 2 components: GP incentive payments for managing residents in aged care homes; and funding for the provision of allied health services for residents.

View the full programme guidelines (DoHA Website) at The Department of Health and Ageing Website

ACAI replaces the Aged Care GP Panels Program.

GP Incentive Payments

Under the practice incentive payment for aged care, payments are made to the GP who provided the service rather than to the practice. Payments are two-tiered and are linked to GP claims for any item specifically related to service provision in an aged care facility – this includes MBS items 20, 35, 43, 51, 92, 93, 95, 96, 712, 731, 734, 736, 738, 775, 778, 779, 903, 5010, 5028, 5049, 5067, 5260, 5263, 5265, 5267.

The payments are triggered automatically. The first is $1,000 when 60 services are claimed and the second of $1,500.00 when 140 services are claimed. The PIP is capped at $2,500 a year.

For more details of the aged care PIP, view Medicare website

Allied Health Services

Under the ACAI, divisions have funding to provide allied health services to residents of aged care homes. ACAI funded services are to provide clinical care for residents over and above services already received under the current funding at the aged care home. ACAI services include rehabilitation, management of complex conditions and other additional allied health interventions.