Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS)

Independence Australia will deliver all community and CAPS orders at $0 delivery charge once they exceed $245 in value.

Orders can be placed via any means, including phone, fax and email.
If orders are placed via our online Webstore, delivery charges will be FREE of charge regardless of the order value Australia wide.

Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS)

The Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) is an Australian Government Program that assists eligible people who have permanent and severe incontinence to meet some of the costs of continence products. This is currently referred to as CASS funding.
Applicants for CAAS funding are required to obtain a funding assessment from an appropriate health professional to support their application. The outcome of this funding assessment should be recorded on the CAAS Health Report which is at Section 2 of the CAAS Funding Application Form.

 

What is the Continence Aids Payment Scheme?

The new streamlined payment system known as the continence aids and payment scheme (CAPS) will replace the current Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) which is delivered through a Government agreement with a sole supplier.

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. The funding through the continence aids and payment scheme will be a direct payment to clients suffering from incontinence that will increase flexibility and choice about where and when they purchase their continence products.
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme will simplify the system and allow clients to shop around for the incontinence aid that suits them best and to get the best value for money.

When will the Continence Aids Payment Scheme commence?

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme will commence from 1 July 2010.

Who will administer the new Continence Aids Payment Scheme?

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme will be delivered by Medicare Australia from 1 July 2010. Clients who are deemed eligible for the continence aids and payment scheme will have their payments paid directly into their nominated bank account.

Why has the Government changed the current incontinence aid funding program?

The current CAAS program is administered by a sole provider. The changes to the current incontinence aid funding program will allow clients to access the continence suppliers of their choice to choose the best incontinence aid for their individual needs at the best price- for example, from Independence Australia.

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 2010 to make sure that current clients suffering from incontinence currently using the CAAS program 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.
The CAAS will continue to be administered in the same way until 1st July 2010.
Current eligible CAAS clients and future clients will be transferred to the new Continence Aids Payment Scheme from 1 July 2010.

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.

Where can I get more information?

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 or if you have a specific enquiry you can email continence@health.gov.au

The Continence Aids Assistance Scheme will be replaced by the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) on 1st July 2010.

The CAAS will continue to be administered in the same way until 30 June 2010.