Indicative Support at Home Pricing: What Service Providers and Clients Need to Know

Indicative price ranges are provided for various services under the Support at Home program, which replaces the Home Care Package (HCP) program starting 1 July 2025. These prices are based on a survey conducted in February 2025, where over 300 HCP providers—representing over a third of all providers—reported what they intend to charge. The purpose is to give participants a sense of potential service costs, aiding them in making informed decisions about their care providers.

• Key Clarification: These are indicative prices that providers may charge, not the co-contributions participants will pay. Co-contributions depend on the service category and an individual’s means assessment. Notably, no co-contributions are required for clinical care services. A calculator will soon be available to estimate co-contributions.

Purpose of Indicative Prices

The indicative prices serve as market-level information to:

• Help participants compare their provider’s pricing with the national averages.
• Assess whether a provider’s charges are reasonable.
• Inform decisions about choosing or switching providers.

These are not price caps or recommended prices—providers can charge more or less, and participants must agree to specific prices in a service agreement.

Guidance for Participants

The new pricing structure offers practical advice for navigating the transition to Support at Home:

1. Assessing Prices:

Use the indicative price ranges to evaluate your provider’s pricing.

If prices seem high, discuss with your provider:

• The scope of services included.
• Reasons for higher pricing.
• Whether fewer services will be provided compared to the current HCP program.

2. Changing Providers:

• You can switch providers if pricing seems unreasonable, either before or after 1 July 2025.
• No entry or exit fees can be charged for switching.
• If switching before 1 July 2025, ensure your new provider’s start date aligns with your current provider’s cessation date to avoid gaps in care.

For more details, check out here for changing home care package provider!

3. Service Agreements:

• Providers will contact participants before 1 July 2025 to explain price changes and establish new agreements.
• To receive services, you must agree to the prices in the agreement, but you’re not obligated to sign if you’re dissatisfied or unclear about changes.

4. Consumer Protections:

• The Australian Government ensures pricing is reasonable and transparent, with protections in place for participants. For more details, check out here!

Indicative Price Table

The table lists services with their unit types, national median prices, and a range (lower to upper bounds) based on survey responses. Below are some examples:

Clinical and Allied Health Services

Nursing Care: $150/hour (range $125 – $179)

Allied Health Services: $195/hour ($160- $220)

Daily Living and Support Services

Other Services

Notes on the Table

• Coverage: Only services with a statistically valid survey sample are included. Other Support at Home services may exist, but there is insufficient data on them. Refer to the Support at Home service list for all possible services.
• Unit Types: Most services are time-based (per hour), but:
  • Transport is per trip.
  • Meal delivery is per meal.
• Duration: Prices reflect one-hour services during standard business hours. Shorter/longer durations or after-hours services may have different rates.
• Location Variability: Prices are national averages and may differ in metropolitan, rural, or regional areas.

Key Takeaways

1. Preparation for 1 July 2025:

• Providers will reach out to discuss pricing and agreements. Be proactive in understanding and negotiating these changes.
• Use the indicative prices to benchmark your provider’s charges.

2. Flexibility:

• You’re not locked into a provider—switch if pricing or services don’t meet your needs, with no penalty fees.

3. Transparency:

• The new indicative price range encourages informed decision-making, supported by government protections to ensure fair pricing.

Regional Price Variations and Considerations

The indicative pricing figures provided represent national averages, but significant regional variations exist across Australia. Rural and remote areas often experience higher service costs due to staff travel requirements and limited provider availability. For instance, data indicates that remote areas may see prices up to 25% higher than metropolitan zones for clinical services.

Metropolitan vs. Regional Pricing

Research shows distinct patterns in pricing across different regions:

• Metropolitan Areas: Generally align with or fall slightly below national medians
• Regional Centers: Typically 5-10% above national medians
• Remote Areas: Often 15-25% above national medians, particularly for specialised services

Participants should anticipate these variations when evaluating provider prices. What might seem excessive in Sydney could be standard in Far North Queensland.

Provider Adaptation Strategies

Service providers transitioning to the Support at Home program face several operational challenges:

Workforce Planning:

• Staff training requirements for new service categories
• Recruitment needs based on projected service demand
• Scheduling optimisation to reduce travel costs

Technology Integration:

• Digital systems for accurate service tracking
• Financial software updates for new billing structures
• Client portals showing services and spending

Financial Analysis:

• Cost modeling across service types
• Cash flow projections during transition
• Service viability assessments

Providers who address these areas early will be better positioned to offer competitive pricing while maintaining service quality.

Participant Budgeting Tools

The transition to Support at Home introduces new ways for participants to monitor and manage their care budgets:

Cost Comparison Worksheet:

• A simple tool available from My Aged Care that helps participants compare providers
• Includes space to record quotes from multiple providers
• Highlights price variations against national averages

Service Planning Calculator:

• Helps estimate total weekly or monthly costs
• Factors in service frequency and duration
• Projects annual expenditure

Financial Counseling Services:

• Free government-funded advice specific to aged care financing
• Assistance with budget management and service selection
• Support for pension recipients facing financial strain

These resources give participants greater control over their care decisions and help prevent unexpected costs.

Quality Considerations Beyond Price

While price comparisons are valuable, participants should consider additional factors when selecting providers:

Staff Qualifications:

• Higher-priced services may reflect more experienced staff
• Ask about specific qualifications and ongoing training
• Consider staff consistency and turnover rates

Service Flexibility:

• Ability to accommodate schedule changes
• Options for weekend or evening services
• Emergency response capabilities

Quality Assurance Processes:

• Regular supervision and performance reviews
• Client feedback mechanisms
• Complaint resolution procedures

Additional Support:

• Care coordination services
• Links to community resources
• Family communication protocols

These elements contribute significantly to service value and may justify prices at the higher end of the indicative ranges.

By considering these expanded aspects of the Support at Home pricing structure, both providers and participants can make better-informed decisions as the aged care sector transitions to this new model in July 2025.

Planning for the Future

With these pricing updates, home care providers and participants can make more informed decisions about the services they need. Service providers should prepare for upcoming changes by reviewing their pricing structures and ensuring clients are well-informed. Meanwhile, individuals receiving care should explore their options to find services that meet their needs at reasonable rates. For more details, visit here!

As the healthcare sector adapts to these new models, having a clear, efficient system for managing client data and pricing agreements is essential. Software solutions like VisiCase simplify the process, ensuring providers can focus on delivering quality care without getting bogged down in administrative complexity.