Funding and Rebates  There are various ways of claiming fees: through Medicare, health insurance funds and on tax. Our Psychologists are registered with Medicare offer five programs under which eligible clients can claim back intervention and assessment fees: 1. The Mental Health Care Program (referral needed from your GP) 2. Chronic Disease Management Initiative (referral needed from your GP) 3. Helping Children with Autism (referral needed from Paediatrician or Psychiatrist) 4. Better Start for Children with a Disability (referral needed from Paediatrician or Psychiatrist) 5. Pregnancy Support Counselling (referral needed from your GP) - Private Health Insurance Funds
Most health insurance funds offer rebates depending on your level of coverage. People must first use any Medicare entitlement before drawing on this. We are registered with most health funds. Contact your fund to find out your level of cover It is also possible to claim medical expenses or the gap payments from the rebates outlined above, on your income tax. This is usually done once the above have been exhausted. - Governemnt Funded Therapy:
If your child is under 7 years and has been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other recognised disability (such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X Syndrome, Hearing and/or Vision impairment) you are eligible for early intervention funding. The Australian Government has introduced two funding packages: 1. Helping Children with Autism 2. Better Start for Children with a Disability These programs help to provide children and their families with the necessary funding to implement early intervention services. Eligible children have access to a funding package of up to $12,000 per child (maximum $6,000 per financial year). Funding can only be used to pay for therapy provided by Government approved early intervention services. Sydney Child Psychology Centre is an approved provider. To learn more about the funding and to check the eligibility criteria, please visit the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FAHCSIA) website. http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/funding/Pages/default.aspx Other Useful Information and Links Medicare Benefits Schedule http://www.health.gov.au/mbsonline | 
