Mental Health Care Plan - Better Access

[julesb31]

Hi all,

I have a bit of a dumb question about the Better Access plan. I've been getting a lot of conflicting information about when I can go back for another lot of 6 sessions. On the Department of Health website it says that medicare rebates are available for 10 individual mental health sessions per calendar year. Am I right in understanding that a calendar year is January 1 - December 31? I got my Better Access plan in June 2016 and used up the 10 sessions by November 2016. I went to the GP in January this year and she said I was not eligible for any more subsidised sessions under Better Access until June 2017 (this year)? She gave me 2 sessions under another medicare number and thats all I've had all year (they are already used). I'm so confused about this whole process and I'm currently a student so I can't afford to pay over $100 to see my psychologist until the middle of the year.

Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks.

[Shred1106]

Hi julesb31

Firstly can I say no question is dumb, especially in these forums!

To my knowledge under the Better Access Mental Health Plan - you are quite right. It falls is the calendar year Jan 1 to Dec 31 and you are entitled to the 10, followed by a further two if required. Are you aware that you can access Mental Health support through your local community health centre - a psychologist who can see you as often as needed at no cost. i know this might mean changing who you see but it makes access easier and cheaper.

Best of luck with it all!

[james1]

Hey Jules, I think you're right. I used my sessions from about June -> September last year, and I've already claimed on 6 this year. So it's definitely calendar year, 1 Jan - 31 Dec.

James