Applies to
This supplement is for providers of Home Care Packages and residential aged care.
What is the supplement?
The oxygen supplement is a primary supplement. It supports care recipients who have a medical need for continual oxygen therapy.
Supplement rate
View the current supplement rate in the Schedule of Subsidies and Supplements.
Eligibility
Care recipients who have a long-term medical need for continuous oxygen are eligible for this supplement.
The supplement is not payable for an emergency or for short-term illnesses, such as bronchitis.
The residential or home care provider must have hired, have borrowed or own the equipment used to provide the oxygen.
You will need a certificate from either a medical practitioner (a doctor) or a nurse practitioner stating the care recipient’s:
- oxygen requirements
- continual need for the administration of oxygen.
Other government payments
A home care recipient who needs oxygen therapy may also be eligible for the Essential Medical Equipment Payment. The home care recipient will need to apply for this.
Care recipients who are eligible for the oxygen supplement may no longer be eligible for state and territory government aids and equipment schemes. Those care recipients should contact their state-based aids and equipment scheme provider to check.
How to apply
Apply for the oxygen supplement online with Services Australia.
The oxygen supplement does not transfer between providers. You must apply for each eligible care recipient, even if their previous provider received the supplement.
Payment
The supplement will be paid from the date you receive approval. Notification of approval will be on your Medicare payment statement.
Payments may be backdated to whichever date is the latest, of either the:
- date of medical certification
- date the person entered care.
Contact
