The National Priority System. What is it and what does it mean for my wait times to get my package?

As of 27 February 2017, a uniform national process for prioritising access to home care was initiated. The National Priority System ensures a fair distribution of care packages, catering to individual needs and circumstances, regardless of geographical location. This system is pivotal in addressing substantial variations in waiting periods across the country, with an overarching cap on the total number of packages at each level despite a yearly increase. 

Components of the National Priority System: 

• National Priority Queue: Determines the order in which eligible clients are assigned home care packages. 

• Package Release Process: Determines the quantity and type of packages allocated to clients on the queue at a given time. 

• Home Care Approval Process: Eligibility for home care services is determined through a comprehensive assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) using the National Screening and Assessment Form. However, approval does not entail immediate assignment of a home care package. Subsidized aged care services are only accessible once a package is allocated. 

• Consumer Prioritisation: Clients approved for a home care package, actively seeking services, are placed in the national queue. This queue considers the client's priority for home care services as determined by the ACAT during assessment and the approval date for a specific package level. 

Package Release and Wait Times: 

The Department releases home care packages regularly to clients who have reached the top of the national queue. The release considers the availability of new packages and those left unclaimed or declined by other clients in preceding weeks. Although projected wait times are expected to be available in late 2017, the dynamic nature of the queue prevents the display of static positions. 

• Home Care Agreement and Timeframes: Clients have 56 calendar days from the package assignment date to enter into a Home Care Agreement with an approved provider. Extensions up to 84 days can be requested. Failure to enter into an agreement within the specified timeframe results in package withdrawal. 

• Interim Package Assignment: Clients can opt for an interim package at a lower level while awaiting their approved package. The automatic upgrade process ensures a seamless transition to a higher level when available, streamlining administrative processes for timely service delivery. 

The National Priority System signifies a commitment to fair and efficient home care package allocation, embodying the Australian Government's dedication to creating a responsive and consumer-centric aged care system.