Residential aged care: Proposed alternative models for allocating places

Overview

As part of the 2018-19 Budget More Choices for a Longer Life package, in principle support was provided to move from the current approach of allocating residential aged care places, to providers through the Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR), to alternative arrangements that support greater consumer choice. Prior to progressing to an alternative model, a detailed analysis of the potential impacts of such an arrangement on all stakeholders is to be completed.

The Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE) at the University of Technology Sydney, in collaboration with aged care accounting and business advisory firm StewartBrown and the Department of Health, is undertaking the impact analysis of alternative arrangements for allocating residential aged care places that encourage a more consumer demand driven market.

No decisions have been made about any changes to the ACAR, implementation or transition arrangements at this time, including timing of any possible changes.

Why your views matter

Your input will be important to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts of moving to an alternative model for allocating residential aged care places.

We want to hear from all interested stakeholders.

Discussion paper

A discussion paper setting out two proposed alternative models for allocating residential aged care places is available for comment. The paper seeks your feedback on:

• whether the two proposed models are the most appropriate and if other model variants should be considered;
• the potential impacts of the models (benefits, costs, and risks) and interdependencies with other programs or reforms in aged care; and
• significant implementation and transition considerations. 

What happens next

The consultation period closed on 13 September 2019.

Responses to the discussion paper, where respondents provided permission to publish, are available for viewing (see ‘Published Responses’). 

A summary of feedback from the consultation forums is also available, on the department’s website.   

Feedback from the consultation process is being considered.

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