Increase in Tas patient accommodation and travel subsidies
The Tasmanian government has increased the accommodation allowance and fuel subsidy to improve services for patients forced to travel away from home for treatment.
Health Minister Lara Giddings said the increases were a key recommendation of an independent review.
“From December the level of financial assistance available to patients and their carers under the Patient Travel Assistance Scheme will be significantly increased.
“The accommodation allowance for overnight stays within Tasmania will increase by $16 to $46 per night, and accommodation outside Tasmania will go from $30 to $64.”
She said the current 13 cents per kilometre fuel subsidy would increase to 19c/km, making Tasmania a national leader in subsidising travel for patients.
The scheme will be expanded to renal and oncology patients travelling more than 50km; for other medical services assistance is available for trips over 75km one-way.
