MHCP

[Awatea]

Hello My brother suggers from depression, alcolhol misuse and he has just been diagnosed with MS which is drastically affecting work and health,  He asked his Dr for a mental helath Care PLan but his Dr refused and said he could not get a MHCP as he worked but he would refer him.  This does not seem right.
Donna

[Croix]

Dear Donna~

Welcome here to hte Forum, a good place to come to see other's experiences.

I am not an expert in this area, just a consumer, however as far as I know a Mental Health Treatment Plan is not means tested and there is no requirement that a person not be working. The government's information about the plan can be found here:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan

Provided a person has a mental health disorder diagnosed by a doctor one should be eligible.

Now this is only a subsidy and if a health professional charges more than the standard Medicare fee (many do) then there will be a gap to pay. Best to find out about these extra charges before the first appointment once a GP has authorized a plan.

I've no idea why the doctor refused, and cited as a reason that your brother worked. I would suggest a second independent opinion

I hope this helps

Croix

[JED1980]

Hey Donna

I have to agree with you. That does not sound right.

I work and i have had a Mental Health Care plan in the past.

Maybe your brother needs to go see another GP? Or you could go to his current dr with him and ask for a more detailed explanation as to why he can't do one.

As far as i know any Dr can do a mental health care plan, and anyone can ask for one to be done.

Best of luck and i hope you can get something in place soon.

Jx

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey Awatea,

So appreciate you advocating for your brother as I can echo everyone here and say that it's not right at all.

Everyone who has a MHCP has a diagnosis listed on the form, even if they don't fit it completely (general worries can be listed as an anxiety disorder, low mood from losing a job can be listed as depression).

Having a job is kind of irrelevant!  You can be working and live with severe depression/anxiety/bipolar (you name it!).  With respect, I would go to a different GP.

rt