Some Australian government reforms are already in place.
Removal of some natural therapy benefits
As part of the government reforms, all health insurers no longer pay benefits towards the following natural therapies:
- Alexander technique
- aromatherapy
- Bowen therapy
- Buteyko
- Feldenkrais
- herbalism
- homeopathy
- iridology
- kinesiology
- naturopathy
- Pilates
- reflexology
- Rolfing
- shiatsu
- tai chi
- yoga
Because of these changes, ahm will also no longer pay benefits towards Biochemistry.
You’ll still be able to claim towards treatments for the therapies listed above, as long as the date of service is before 1 April 2019.
If you’re on an eligible product, the following treatments will continue to be included:
✓ Remedial Massage/Myotherapy
✓ Acupuncture
✓ Chinese medicine
✓ Exercise physiology
We’ll also continue to pay benefits for pilates exercises or techniques if they form part of your physio treatment by an ahm recognised physiotherapist.
Waiting periods and annual limits apply.
Discounts on most prostheses
The government has reduced the cost for most medical devices listed on the Prostheses List (e.g. for surgically implanted prostheses, human tissue items and other medical devices.) This saving is part of a $1.1 billion deal with the Medical Technology Association of Australia.
Reforms to provide better access to mental health services
The Mental Health Waiver allows a person with an existing hospital product which pays restricted benefits towards in-hospital Psychiatric Services to upgrade their cover to receive higher benefits without serving the additional 2 month waiting period. To access the Mental Health Waiver, you need to have:
- Hospital cover, and
- served your 2 month waiting period on ‘Restricted’ in-hospital Psychiatric Services, and
- upgraded to a hospital cover that has ‘Included’ in-hospital Psychiatric Services.
The Waiver can be used once per person in a lifetime.
To access the Waiver, chat with us or call 134 246 weekdays, 8am – 7pm (AEST/AEDT)
To find out more about the government’s private health insurance reforms,
visit the Department of Health website.