Fees and Supplements FAQs

The cost of a Home Care Package is based on:

• how much the Australian Government pays (the subsidy)
• how much you may need to pay (Home Care fees payable by you).

The subsidy the Australian Government pays varies according to the  level of Home Care Package you receive. This amount is paid to Baptcare as your Home Care Provider.

You may be expected to contribute to the cost of your care and services if you can afford it.  You can find out more by calling Baptcare on 13 22 78. Or visit the My Aged Care website.

There are three types of fees that you may need to pay:

• a basic daily fee (Baptcare does not ask you to pay this fee)
• an income-tested care fee (an extra contribution that some people pay, based on their income assessment)
• Home Care service fees. Note, Baptcare will clearly outline any other fees you are required to pay in your Home Care Agreement.

You can find out more by calling Baptcare on 13 22 78.

The basic daily fee is set by the government at a percentage of the single basic age pension. This fee varies depending on your Home Care Package level. Baptcare does not charge the basic daily fee. For more information on the basic daily fee refer the My Aged Care website.

The income-tested care fee is an extra contribution that some people pay. This fee is determined by your income assessment, and it’s different for everyone. The fee is based on your individual income, including your pension. However, full pensioners do not pay an income-tested care fee.

For more information about the income-tested Home Care fee refer to the My Aged Care website.

No. Baptcare does not charge any entry, exit or set-up fees.

Home Care Package fees are determined by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

You can estimate your fees using the fee estimator on the My Aged Care website.

If you receive an income-tested payment (e.g. aged pension or Department of Veteran Affairs payment) you don’t need to do anything. Once you’ve entered into a Home Care Agreement, you’ll simply receive a letter detailing any fees that you may need to pay.

If you are a self-funded retiree, or a part pensioner and you don’t receive a means-tested income support payment, you may need to complete a formal income assessment form.

There are some income support payments which are not means-tested. These include:

• Age Pension—Blind
• Disability Support Pension—Blind
• Carer Allowance
• Mobility Allowance
• DVA Disability Pension without the Income Support Supplement
• DVA War Widow’s Pension without the Income Support Supplement.

If you need a pre-commencement fee letter, you can contact Centrelink on 1800 227 475 or the Department of Veteran Affairs on 1800 555 254.

To complete an income assessment, please visit the DHHS website. Here you can access either a digital form or print a hard copy of the form.

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/forms/sa486

Baptcare can help you with the income assessment process too. Call 13 22 78 to speak with our friendly staff today.

Once the DHHS determine your maximum income-tested fee, you’ll receive a letter outlining the basic daily fee you may need to pay your Home Care service provider. Note, while some Home Care providers will charge you a basic daily fee, Baptcare does not.

If you have opted to seek an income assessment before commencing a Home Care Package, only you will receive a letter explaining the maximum fees that you may be asked to pay.

This advice is valid for 120 days – unless your circumstances change.

If your circumstances do change, you must let DHHS know. They’ll then reissue your fee advice letter with updated details.

From the date you submit your Income Assessment form, it usually takes a minimum of two weeks to receive a letter about your fees.

We recommend taking a photo of your form before you send it via post (express post recommended). If you still haven't received a response after two weeks, you should call DHHS on 1800 227 475 to request an update on the progress of your Income Assessment form.

Any fees that you need to pay to Baptcare for your Home Care Package are paid on a monthly basis.

The government will pay the subsidy and supplements to Baptcare for every day you hold a Home Care Package.

Fees are only payable once your Home Care Package starts (this includes the income-tested care fee).

However, as soon as you have entered into a Home Care Agreement with Baptcare your daily service fees are payable.

The government subsidy funds are paid directly to Baptcare. Baptcare will manage these funds on your behalf.