The battle raging on the home care front | The Business | ABC NEWS

Some providers of home care for senior Australians are trying to coerce kickbacks from suppliers of services and equipment, including mobility aids. The ABC has emails that show providers, who manage clients' cash, seeking "monetary return" and fees for sending business to suppliers.

A month ago, the federal government's Aged Care Act came into effect to help older Australians remain at home for longer. The changes, including a massive lift in government funding, are designed to improve the scheme's efficiency and sustainability as Australia's population ages. But a fight is brewing between the organisations that manage client funds — the providers — and the firms that provide the services — the suppliers — particularly those that specialise in wheelchairs and home modifications. The new Support at Home program, which on November 1 replaced Home Care Packages, reduces management fees providers can charge users. But suppliers say providers are trying to recoup lost fees by other means. Industry body Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia reports some home care providers are trying to strongarm suppliers into "pay for service" arrangements. Those who refuse can find themselves blacklisted or no longer included on an "exclusive list". ATSA chief executive, Serena Ovens, says backhand deals were explicitly banned from other government-run programs including the NDIS.

The ABC's questions to the major service providers went unanswered, while the federal government noted the concerns but made no response. Government funding for aged care at home has ballooned to $8.8 billion a year, with almost half going to the 25 biggest care providers.
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