The Federal Government has today released a disappointing update about the 10 additional sessions, as well as providing the final report of the evaluation of the Better Access program.
Additional 10 sessions
The Government has confirmed it will not be extending the temporary additional 10 psychology sessions beyond 31 December 2022, despite our extensive advocacy efforts as a community and profession to have the additional sessions made permanent.
More than one million additional sessions were provided by psychologists in the 2021-22 financial year alone. Reducing access to psychological treatment via these additional sessions will compromise mental health care for Australians, making this announcement all the more disappointing, at a time of great financial strain for many.
The Government has confirmed patients who have a mental health treatment plan and current referral for sessions (whether for the initial 10 or additional 10) will be able to use that referral to access up to 10 sessions in 2023, without having to go back to their GP. This aligns with current arrangements for the rollover of unused Better Access sessions across calendar years.
The APS position
News that the additional 10 Medicare sessions will not be extended beyond 31 December 2022 is concerning for our patients and for psychologists trying to provide continuity of care.
With your backing – our 28,000 members nationwide – we have been advocating relentlessly on this issue for many years. Long before the pandemic, the APS has been urging the Government to increase the number of sessions from 10 to at least 20.
We will continue to advocate for improved access and affordability, including for our most vulnerable and marginalised people, to ensure evidence-based care is available to all Australians.
Better Access evaluation final report
The Federal Government has today released the final report of an independent evaluation of the Medicare Benefits Scheme Better Access initiative.
The Government reports that the evaluation has shown that while the Better Access scheme has broadened access to mental health services, it is not delivering for all Australians equally. People from lower socio-economic backgrounds, those living in regional, rural and remote areas and aged care residents are missing out.
The evaluation found that in 2022 to date, less than half of those of low socio-economic status were able to access treatment including the additional 10 sessions. Affordability of services remains a key issue, and the pressures on our workforce are also acknowledged as a key issue of concern.
We are encouraged to see the Federal Government will investigate wait lists and gap fees, key issues we have been at the forefront of advocating on. Over the past 18 months, APS research has been used to raise awareness nationally via the media that 1 in 3 psychologists have had to close their books to new patients and was cited in the Better Access Review as evidence for much needed workforce reform.
Next steps
In 2023, a Government forum of key experts and people with lived experience of mental illness will assess the recommendations of the Better Access evaluation and provide reform advice.
We look forward to contributing to the expert forum.
The APS and our members continue to be recognised and praised for our advocacy and solutions-oriented approach to addressing access and affordability issues for the community. Federal Health Minister Hon Mark Butler MP and Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Hon Emma McBride MP have both acknowledged our work in recent weeks, and we are grateful to the Federal Government for this willingness to listen to our position.
We understand you may have many questions about these announcements. We ask you to send in questions and common themes and answers will be posted on the APS website.
We will keep you updated on further developments, as well as providing guidance and advice on the next steps with your patients in the coming days and weeks.
With your support through surveys, member feedback and media interviews, we have had more than 350 media mentions on this issue alone this year, reaching a cumulative potential audience of more than 20 million. Stories like these make an impact and start conversations across the country, helping us reach the community, government and numerous other stakeholders with our messages.
Further reading
Medicare: https://www.health.gov.au/contacts/medicare-provider-enquiry-line
Federal Government media release: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/improving-better-access-for-all-australians?language=en
Better Access evaluation final report: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/evaluation-of-the-better-access-initiative-final-report