2024 Stoma Appliance Scheme Schedule Review

Overview

The 2023-24 Budget included agreement to a comprehensive review of the Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) Schedule. The aim of the SAS Schedule Review (the Review) is to make sure all the products listed are clinically effective, correctly priced, and cost-effective. While there have been reviews of specific sub-groups or products on the SAS Schedule, there has been no comprehensive review of all products, pricing and groups since 2010.

The Review is focusing on:

• the intent of the SAS
• SAS Schedule structure
• clinical eligibility for the SAS, and
• product pricing.

The Review aims to result in an updated SAS Schedule that prioritises improving health outcomes for people with stomas (ostomates) while also ensuring the SAS remains sustainable into the future.

Why your views matter

The purpose of this consultation is to inform stakeholders and seek their views regarding the proposed changes to the SAS and SAS Schedule. This consultation provides the:

• background to the SAS and the Review
• proposed changes to the SAS and SAS Schedule, and
• rationale for the proposed changes to the SAS and SAS Schedule.

The Stoma Appliance Scheme Schedule Review - Consultation Paper is available under the 'Related' section at the bottom of this page. The information and questions in the survey match the information and questions in the Consultation Paper. It is not necessary to provide a response to all questions. 

The Department of Health and Aged Care (Department) wants to work with all stakeholders to ensure the SAS is fit for purpose, serves the needs of all ostomates, and protects the future sustainability of the SAS.

What happens next

The outcomes of this consultation will inform the next phase of work on the Review. The outcomes will be considered by the Stoma Product Assessment Panel (SPAP) and will inform its final recommended changes to the SAS Schedule. Following Government consideration of the final SPAP recommendations, any changes to the SAS Schedule would be communicated to stakeholders and the Department would work with stakeholders on the implementation of any changes.