Aged care accommodation prices to be more transparent

The date is fast approaching for residential aged care providers to outline their accommodation prices and supply key information about their facility to potential consumers.

From 19 May, all residential aged care providers will be required to publish their maximum accommodation prices, payment options and a description of key features of each type of room.

The new system will provide clear pricing and accommodation information in advance, enabling consumers and their families to compare prices and facilities and make informed choices.

And it will enable providers to highlight the best features of their services and facilities, making the sector more transparent and competitive.

Accommodation prices and information must be published on the My Aged Care website, on providers’ own websites (if they have one), and in documentation given to prospective residents.

Any accommodation payment greater than a refundable deposit of $550,000 needs to be approved by the Aged Care Pricing Commissioner.

We will work with the sector to develop a streamlined way for providers to regularly update their information on My Aged Care.

This Government is focussed on cutting red tape, and has already scrapped proposed requirements for providers to follow a prescriptive process in setting prices, and the need to document and certify that process.

These changes are part of a broader package of reforms to make the aged care system more efficient, more flexible, and easier for those who need care and those who provide care.

Healthdirect Australia has been working with providers to collect–by 30 April–the information that will be published on the Government’s My Aged Care site.

If providers need assistance with providing information to Healthdirect Australia, they can contact them at myagedcare@nhsd.com.au or on (03) 8317 8124.

Information about aged care reforms can be found at http://www.dss.gov.au/agedcarereform.