The Hearing Services Program Expert Review Panel provided interim advice to the Australian Government regarding the implementation of the Government’s changes to the Hearing Services Program’s Voucher Scheme, announced in the 2020–21 Budget. The changes included extending the voucher period to 5 years, removing the 12-month warranty period maintenance payment, and replacing the annual maintenance payment in advance with quarterly payments in advance.
This interim advice assesses potential implementation impacts and provides 3 policy approaches which could be applied during the implementation period. Each approach aims to support ongoing consumer access to the voucher scheme by maintaining a viable provider sector. The analysis includes impacts on consumers and providers in rural and remote areas.
The panel provided its final report to the Minister in August 2021.