Patients Assistance Travel Scheme

                      STRENGTHENING THE PATIENT ASSISTED TRAVEL SCHEME (PATS)
                      INFORMATION ABOUT PATS FOR COUNTRY PATIENTS

WHY IS PATS CHANGING?
The Government has announced changes to provide more support to WA country residents needing to travel away from their homes to access specialist medical services. It has increased PATS funding by $7.7 million per year over four years, from 2008/09 to 2011/12. This represents a 50 percent increase in funding based on PATS expenditure in 2006-07.

WHEN WILL THE CHANGES BEGIN?
Changes to fuel and accommodation subsidies will be effective from 1 January 2009. A range of other changes will be introduced from 1 February 2009.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES TO PATS FROM 1 JANUARY 2009?
Fuel Subsidy
The new fuel subsidy has been increased to a flat rate of 16 cents per kilometre for all eligible patients travelling on or after 1 January 2009.
However, for two or more patients travelling in a minibus, or similar group transport vehicle, owned by a community or organisation, the criteria relating to payment of 25 cents per kilometre remain unchanged.
Accommodation Subsidy
The new accommodation subsidy rates have been increased to:
• $60 per night for an eligible person travelling without an approved escort/carer;
• $75 per night for a patient travelling with an approved escort/carer; and
• $20 per night for patients using private accommodation.
The accommodation subsidy is available to all patients and approved escorts/carers travelling on or after 1 January 2009.

PLEASE NOTE: People who have travelled since 1 January 2009 and have already received payment will be eligible for back payment of the difference between the old subsidy and the new subsidy. Please contact your local PATS clerk if this applies to you.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES TO PATS FROM 1 FEBRUARY 2009?
A range of changes will be introduced from 1 February 2009. These include:
• The removal of the patient contribution requirement;
• Eligible patients from Northam and York who need to travel to Perth to access the nearest medical specialist will be eligible for the full PATS benefits;
• Expanded eligibility for approval for a carer/escort to travel with aged, disabled or cancer patients;
• Cancer patients needing to travel more than four hours (previously more than 16 hours) by road one way to access specialist medical treatment will be eligible for air travel subsidies;
• Cancer patients will be eligible for an accommodation subsidy for a recovery night following treatment;
• The carer/escort accommodation allowance will be continued for the period a cancer patient is hospitalised away from home: and
• Where a referral exists authorisation of the PATS Specialist Certification form can be made by clinic staff.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Please visit the WA Country Health Website at www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au
Or contact your nearest Regional PATS Co-ordinator:

                                       MIDWEST 08 9956 1962              WHEATBELT 1800 728 792