The Turnbull government has announced $85 million in funding to help improve means testing and the My Aged Care system.
Human Services Minister Michael Keenan and Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the changes are designed to help older Australians and their families by simplifying the means test process.
Minister Keenan announced the creation of a taskforce to create a simple new means test form for people entering aged care and provide recommendations on faster means testing.
“The current 28-page form can be challenging, so we plan to have major simplifications in place by May next year,” said Minister Keenan.
“Led by the Department of Human Services, the taskforce will include representation from consumer groups, aged care providers, financial advisers and relevant government agencies.”
Minister Wyatt said work would also commence on a $61.7m revamp of the My Aged Care portal to make access easier.
“My Aged Care is a vital tool for older Australians and their families and carers, with more than 3.5 million website visits per year and over one million phone calls,” said Minister Wyatt.
“It must be as easy to use as possible, providing people with the right information in a people-friendly format, during what are often challenging times.”
My Aged Care will receive an upgraded website with more self-service options, a client journey dashboard and referrals system for health professionals.
“This will allow doctors and specialists to send referrals to My Aged Care directly from their clinical information systems, and to track the progress of their clients through My Aged Care,” said Minister Wyatt.
“Aged care access will also be streamlined, with $14.8 million to develop a new integrated assessment system for older Australians.”
The government has also committed $8.8 million to implement an aged care provider comparison system on My Aged Care.