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Commonwealth HACC Program

Fact sheet - Information for consumers and their carers

This fact sheet provides consumers and carers with information about the Commonwealth HACC Program.

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The Commonwealth HACC Program came into effect on 1 July 2012. Under the new program, the Australian Government has taken full funding and policy responsibility for HACC services for people aged 65 and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over.

Previously the HACC program was jointly funded by the Australian Government and the State and Territory Governments. The State and Territory Governments had policy and administration responsibility while the Australian Government maintained a broad strategic role.

State and Territory Governments will continue to fund and administer HACC services for people under the age of 65 and under 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The changes to HACC do not apply to Victoria and Western Australia. In these states, basic community care services will continue to be delivered as a joint Australian Government and State Government funded HACC program.

Why has HACC changed?

By taking responsibility for HACC services for older people the Australian Government will be able to take steps to ensure that consumers can access the same standard of service regardless of where they reside.

The introduction of the Commonwealth HACC Program will also make it easier for older Australians to transition seamlessly from basic care at home through to more complex care packages or residential care as their needs change.

Commonwealth HACC services

The Commonwealth HACC Program provides services that support older Australians to be more independent at home and in the community. Some of the services provided under the program include:

• nursing care
• allied health services like podiatry, physiotherapy and speech pathology
• domestic assistance, including help with cleaning, washing and shopping
• personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing, grooming and eating
• social support
• home maintenance
• home modifications
• assistance with food preparation in the home
• delivery of meals
• transport
• assessment, client care coordination and case management
• counselling, information and advocacy services
• centre-based day care
• support for carers including respite services

More detailed information on the full range of services funded under the Commonwealth HACC Program is available on the Department of Health and Ageing website at health.gov.au/hacc

Accessing Commonwealth HACC services

If you’re already accessing HACC services you will continue receiving basic community care services from your current HACC service provider under the Commonwealth HACC Program.

If you’re not currently receiving HACC services but think you or someone you know might require such support you can contact your local HACC service provider directly. The best way to find out what HACC service providers are operating in your area is to call 1800 200 422.

Aged Care Complaints Scheme

If you have a concern about services you’re receiving under the Commonwealth HACC Program we encourage you to raise this concern with your service provider first. Working directly with your provider can achieve a fast and sustainable resolution to your complaint.

If you do not know who your service provider is, the person providing the service at your home should be able to tell you and provide you with contact information.

If you’re unable to resolve your concern with your service provider you can contact the Aged Care Complaints Scheme (the Scheme) on 1800 550 552. To learn more about the Scheme please visit the Aged Care Complaints Scheme News at agedcarecomplaints.govspace.gov.au

Living Longer. Living Better. aged care reform

On 20 April 2012 the Australian Government announced the Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package, which provides $3.7 billion over five years towards building a better, fairer and more nationally consistent aged care system.

The reforms will see the introduction of the Commonwealth Home Support program from 1 July 2015. The Home Support program will bring under the one program all of the services currently providing basic home support - including the Commonwealth HACC Program, the National Respite for Carers Program, the Day Therapy Centres program and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged Program. Consolidating these programs will provide a comprehensive basic home support program.

You can find out more about the reforms on the Aged Care Australia website at agedcareaustralia.gov.au

For more information

For more information on the Commonwealth HACC Program please visit the Department of Health and Ageing Website at health.gov.au/hacc, phone 1800 200 422 or email HACC Reform.

Last updated: June 2012

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