Applies to
This supplement is for registered providers of the Support at Home program and residential aged care.
What is the supplement?
The oxygen supplement is a primary supplement. It supports older people who have a medical need for continual oxygen therapy.
Supplement rate
View the current supplement rate in the Schedule of Subsidies and Supplements.
Eligibility
Aged care residents or Support at Home participants 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 Support at Home 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 older person’s:
- oxygen requirements
- continual need for the administration of oxygen.
Other government payments
A Support at Home participant who needs oxygen therapy may also be eligible for the Essential Medical Equipment Payment. The Support at Home participant will need to apply for this themselves.
Participants who are eligible for the oxygen supplement may no longer be eligible for state and territory government products and equipment schemes. These participants should contact their state-based products and equipment scheme provider to check.
How to apply
Apply for the oxygen supplement online with Services Australia.
For residential aged care, the oxygen supplement does not transfer between providers or care types. You must apply for each eligible resident or participant, even if their previous provider received the supplement.
Under Support at Home, eligibility for the oxygen supplement continues to apply even if the participant changes providers. The supplement will automatically continue to be paid into the participant’s budget when they transition to a new provider. The new provider does not need to reapply for 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
