Aged Care Access Initiative
Overview
The aim of the Aged Care Access Initiative (ACAI) is to improve access to primary care (GP and allied health services) for residents of aged care facilities (RACFs) and Multi-purpose Services (MPSs).
This is achieved by:
- GP incentive payments (PIP payments), designed to encourage GPs to provide more services in aged care facilities; and
- funding for the provision of allied health services to low-care residents of Commonwealth-funded aged care facilities (where these services are not currently covered by Medicare or other government funding arrangements).
The provision of allied health services is administered by General Practice NSW, while the PIP payments are managed by Medicare Australia.
Aged Care Access Initiative Allied Health Services Component
In delivering the allied health component of the ACAI in NSW, GP NSW provides a state-wide needs assessment for the contract period, program plan and budget for implementation of the initiative. GP NSW must also provide program reporting to the Department on NSW Division activities under the Initiative.
GP NSW contracts with participating NSW Divisions to purchase allied health services locally under the Initiative. Program delivery, budget and reporting expectations are specified in each contract.
To develop a plan, Divisions work with local RACFs and AHPs and draw on information from the previous needs assessments and past experience. Where applicable the planning processes will also consider the More Allied Health Services (MAHS) Program and other relevant existing local programs.
The Aged Care Access Initiative Program Guidelines July 2009
Department of Health and Ageing ACAI information page
More Information
To find out more about Aged Care, contact Dora Tomaras or Anna Colditz at General Practice NSW on 02 9239 2900 or email doratomaras@gpnsw.com.au or annacolditz@gpnsw.com.au.