Retirement
‘Challenging’ means test process receives $85m remedy
Acknowledging that a 28-page form can be “challenging”, the Turnbull government has pledged to simplify access to aged care and streamline means testing.
‘Challenging’ means test process receives $85m remedy
Acknowledging that a 28-page form can be “challenging”, the Turnbull government has pledged to simplify access to aged care and streamline means testing.
The federal government will put $85 million towards simplifying the means testing and My Aged Care systems. Additionally, work has begun on an aged care provider comparison system on My Aged Care, with a price tag of $8.8 million.
“The current 28-page form can be challenging, so we plan to have major simplifications in place by May next year,” Human Services Minister Michael Keenan said.
“Led by the Department of Human Services, the taskforce will include representation from consumer groups, aged care providers, financial advisers and relevant government agencies.”
He said the simplification would be led by a taskforce, which would focus on a new means test form for those entering aged care and make recommendations on how the means testing process could be made more efficient, including for people with complex financial situations.
Together with Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt, Mr Keenan said cutting red tape would help “hundreds of thousands” of senior Australians and their families each year.
Mr Wyatt also announced a $61.7 million revamp of the My Aged Care portal was set to begin.
“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 1 million phone calls,” he said.
“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.”
The upgrade will feature an enhanced service finder, more self-service options, a referrals system for health professionals and a “client journey dashboard”.
“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,” Mr Wyatt continued.
“Aged care access will also be streamlined, with $14.8 million to develop a new integrated assessment system for older Australians.”
RELATED ARTICLES
Retirement Planning
Majority of Australians anxious about retirement as super knowledge gaps persist, report finds
A new study by Aware Super has revealed that a significant majority of Australians aged 45 and over are feeling anxious about retirement, with nearly nine in ten respondents concerned they will run ...Read more
Retirement Planning
AMP’s MyNorth Lifetime boosts financial security and retirement income
AMP has reported that its MyNorth Lifetime retirement income solution is delivering significant financial benefits to retirees, with an average uplift of 50% in total income. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement living sector calls for planning reforms amid declining construction confidence
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) is urging governments to streamline planning systems to boost housing supply, following a decline in confidence in age-friendly construction activity. Read more
Retirement Planning
New laws to boost women's retirement savings through paid parental leave
The Australian Parliament has passed new legislation that will see superannuation guarantee contributions paid on the Commonwealth Government's Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme. Read more
Retirement Planning
Planning systems under scrutiny as Australia's ageing population grows
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has called for governments to address planning system shortfalls in preparation for Australia's ageing population, following the release of new data from the ...Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement Living Council calls for focus on seniors' housing as population ages
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has urged governments across Australia to prioritise age-friendly housing solutions in response to new data revealing an ageing population. Read more
Retirement Planning
Macquarie University study reveals benefits of guaranteed income in retirement
A new study by Macquarie University's School of Psychological Sciences has found that mental health, enjoyment, and financial security are key benefits of incorporating guaranteed income and annuities ...Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement villages offer affordable housing amid market crisis, study finds
Retirement villages are providing a significantly more affordable housing option for older Australians compared to the traditional property market, according to new data released today. Read more
Retirement Planning
Majority of Australians anxious about retirement as super knowledge gaps persist, report finds
A new study by Aware Super has revealed that a significant majority of Australians aged 45 and over are feeling anxious about retirement, with nearly nine in ten respondents concerned they will run ...Read more
Retirement Planning
AMP’s MyNorth Lifetime boosts financial security and retirement income
AMP has reported that its MyNorth Lifetime retirement income solution is delivering significant financial benefits to retirees, with an average uplift of 50% in total income. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement living sector calls for planning reforms amid declining construction confidence
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) is urging governments to streamline planning systems to boost housing supply, following a decline in confidence in age-friendly construction activity. Read more
Retirement Planning
New laws to boost women's retirement savings through paid parental leave
The Australian Parliament has passed new legislation that will see superannuation guarantee contributions paid on the Commonwealth Government's Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme. Read more
Retirement Planning
Planning systems under scrutiny as Australia's ageing population grows
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has called for governments to address planning system shortfalls in preparation for Australia's ageing population, following the release of new data from the ...Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement Living Council calls for focus on seniors' housing as population ages
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has urged governments across Australia to prioritise age-friendly housing solutions in response to new data revealing an ageing population. Read more
Retirement Planning
Macquarie University study reveals benefits of guaranteed income in retirement
A new study by Macquarie University's School of Psychological Sciences has found that mental health, enjoyment, and financial security are key benefits of incorporating guaranteed income and annuities ...Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement villages offer affordable housing amid market crisis, study finds
Retirement villages are providing a significantly more affordable housing option for older Australians compared to the traditional property market, according to new data released today. Read more
