Changes to the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS)
You may be aware that the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme ("CAAS") will become the Continence Aids Payment Scheme ("CAPS") from 1 July 2010.
What does that mean for you?
CAPS will replace the CAAS and will be managed by Medicare Australia. The funds will provide a greater choice and will be paid directly into the individual user's bank account for purchasing continence products.
The team at Independence Australia Health Solutions acknowledges the recently announced changes and is committed to delivering a convenient, timely, cost effective and quality service to clients across Australia through our national branch network. We have offices, showrooms, warehouses and local Territory Managers in each state dedicated to fulfilling our customer's needs.
Independence Australia is a leading national distributor of health and wellbeing products and is already equipped to facilitate a smooth transitiion for current CAAS customers to the new CAPS. We specialise in the speedy, discreet home delivery of products at the most competitive price. Our 14 day accounts and easy payment options are designed to make purchasing your healthcare products convenient for you.
Independence Australia's aim is to provide products that enable people to achieve their desired level of independence within their community.
We currently supply products to over 75,000 clients across Australia door to door. The team at Independence Australia is committed to delivering convenient quality service to clients across Australia in a timely and cost effective manner.
Independence Australia has an extensive range of over 12,000 products available to help manage continence discretely and comfortably.
Our Continence Nurse Advisor Ros Lawrence is available to provide expert advice to healthcare professionals, carers and individuals free of charge. Our customer service team is always ready to help and is open from 8.00am to 6.00pm (EST) for your convenience.
WE OFFER OUR CUSTOMERS
- FREE delivery when you place your orders online - For limited time only
- 2.5% discount when continence and urology products are purchased in cartons #
- FREE samples on all continence pads
- Next business day delivery for orders placed before 12 noon *
- Products sold individually and in packets. You don't need to purchase the box!!!
- Longer trading hours for your convenience
- 12,000 products - one of Australia's largest ranges
* Please add 1 to 2 business days for some regional areas
# Applies to selected urology and disposable continence products only
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Continence Aids Payment Scheme?
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme is an Australian Government payment that will assist eligible people who have permanent and severe incontinence to meet some of the costs of their continence products. It will be a direct payment to clients that will increase flexibility and choice about where and when they purchase their continence products.
The new streamlined payment system will replace the current Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) which is currently delivered through a Government agreement with a sole supplier.
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme will simplify the system and allow clients to shop around to get the best value for money and to purchase the most appropriate products for their individual needs.
When will the Continence Aids Payment Scheme commence?
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme will commence from 1 July 2010.
Do I have to wait until July to purchase products?
No. You can set up an account at your convenience over the phone by calling our customer service team on 1300 788 855.
Can a client nominate to have a payment made directly to a supplier/distributor or a service provider/organisation of their choice?
Yes, a client can nominate to have the payment made directly to a nominated supplier/distributor or a service provider/organisation that will be responsible for purchasing their continence products. A seperate authorisation form will be available from Medicare Australia or the website www.bladderbowel.gov.au.
Who will administer the new Continence Aids Payment Scheme?
Please talk to your local Independence Australia representative about how we can assist with managing your CAPS account.
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme will be delivered by Medicare Australia from 1 July 2010 and will be paid directly into a client's nominated bank account.
What will happen to the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) and its clients?
There will be a transition from the existing scheme to the new system in 2009-10 to make sure that current clients are not disadvantaged.
Current CAAS clients do not need to do anything at this point. Further information will be made available in the coming months to all clients about the changes.
How much will the Continence Aids Payment Scheme be?
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme will be in line with the current value available under the CAAS (up to $489.95 in 2009-10). It will continue to be indexed annually.
What will be the eligibility requirements for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme?
Eligibility for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme will remain the same as it is now. People who are five years of age or older and have permanent and severe incontinence due to an eligible neurological condition or have permanent and severe incontinence caused by another eligible condition, (provided they have a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card) will continue to be eligible.
Further information about the Continence Aids Payment Scheme and changes to the CAAS, will be made available on the Department's Bladder Bowel Website at www.bladderbowel.gov.au.
Watch this space as we will be adding more value for CAPS clients!
