Price Change Guide - Home Care Packages

Management charges and certain service fees for BlueCare Home Care Packages will be changing on 1 December 2023. We have compiled a list of common questions and answers below. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to call our customer service team on 1800 960 452.

Why do service rates change?

Reviewing service rates each year is necessary to keep pace with the rising cost of home support services and to ensure we remain financially viable. And most importantly, so we can continue to provide you with high-quality care and support.

Why do management fees change?

Changes to management fees are usually brought about by cost increases or legislative changes that affect the way we are able to charge for services and mean certain costs need to be covered by the Package Management Fee instead of the service rates.

What is changing and when will the changes take place?

From 1 December 2023:

• Our annual price change will take effect, resulting in increases to management charges and certain service rates, based on the time we spend with you.
• Service rates for our telehealth services will be reducing.
• Service rates for Nursing and Personal Care will remain at their current rates.

Where can I find details of the new service rates?

Click here to view the new service rates. Please note, there are a number of different pricing schedules, as service rates vary depending upon where you live. Please refer to the relevant pricing schedule based on your location. Details are outlined above each schedule.

What will happen next?

Your Home Care Package Partner will prepare and send you a revised package budget on or before 3 November 2023. It is important that you review this and understand what we are proposing.

If you do not understand something, please let us know so that we can work with you to help you understand the impact of these changes.

For those who experience significant impairment through health issues or communication difficulties created by educational, race, cultural or environmental factors, your Home Care Package Partner will schedule a budget review meeting with you, and any support people you would like present, to discuss any concerns and to answer any questions you may have.

For those with little or no impairment, you will have been given the choice of opting-out of a budget review meeting with your Home Care Package Partner.

If you would like to opt-out, you will need to sign and return the consent and waiver which accompanied the letter sent to you. This signed consent and waiver will need to be received by BlueCare by 14 November 2023.

If we do not receive a form from you, your Home Care Package Partner will schedule a meeting with you, and any support people you would like present, to discuss any concerns and to answer any questions you may have.

All budget review meetings should occur by 24 November 2023.

What will happen if I do not agree to the fee changes?

If you decide that you do not agree with the fee increases, please let your Home Care Package Partner know of your concerns in your scheduled meeting.

The options that are available to you include:

• the extent to which a different mix of care and services at the increased fees might suit your care needs and your budget;
• the extent to which we might be able to care for you in the community with the resources available to us; and
• whether you would like to explore seeking some Home Care Package care and services from a different provider as needed to suit both your care needs and budget.

When will happen if I agree to the fee changes?

If you consent to the increased fees, the changes will take place from 1 December 2023. They will be reflected in the statement you receive in early January 2024.

How will the changes affect me?

Any increases will be charged to your Home Care Package and will not directly affect your out-of-pocket contributions. Your Home Care Package Partner will schedule a time to discuss these changes with you, and any impact on your package budget, before 24 November 2023.

What if I would like to review my current services?

We’re happy to review the services you receive to ensure you are able to remain independent, healthy and safe in your home for as long as possible. Please don’t hesitate to call us on 1800 960 452 if you would like to talk through your options.

What if I have further questions?

Please give us a call on 1800 960 452. We’re available to help you in any way we can.