The Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) welcomes additional protections for older people announced by Government today for the Support at Home program but warns that delaying promised pricing caps will continue to leave older people exposed to rising costs.
“We welcome stronger oversight and transparency measures, but the decision to delay pricing caps means older people will continue to face uncertainty about what they will pay for essential services,” OPAN Director Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy Samantha Edmonds said.
Key elements of the Government’s package are welcomed, including powers for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to order refunds, increased public reporting, and the introduction of quarterly national price summaries.
“Additional funding for advocacy and education will also be critical to ensuring older people understand their rights and can challenge unfair fees.”
However, Ms Edmonds said further improvements are needed to ensure these measures deliver meaningful protection, including local pricing transparency, and we look forward to working with Government to achieve this.
“It is critical that this process leads to clear, enforceable protections – including the timely introduction of well-designed price caps.”
Read the full media release.