Statement: Osteopathy Australia urges the federal government to address the inadequate Inclusion of osteopathy in aged care funding

Comment:

 

1 November 2024 – Sydney, Australia – Osteopathy Australia has voiced serious concerns to the Department of Health and Aged Care questioning the removal of osteopathy as part of the allied health service category within aged care funding, further reducing access to health workforce supply and consumer choice, while increasing out-of-pocket expense.

 

In recent communications with the department, Osteopathy Australia emphasised the risks posed by the omission of osteopathy from the ‘allied health and therapy’ service type in the Support at Home Service List. Osteopathy Australia, the peak organisation representing osteopaths across the country, argues that without the ongoing recognition of osteopathy as a allied health service, older Australians are being denied access to their preferred healthcare. Under the proposed change, osteopathy has been classified under ‘therapeutic services for independent living’ - a categorisation that limits access to critical osteopathic care through current and new aged care programs, such as the 12-week restorative care pathway.

 

"Older Australians deserve the right to choose osteopathy as part of their allied health care," said Stephanie Santos, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Osteopathy Australia. "Osteopathy is recognised as an allied health profession under Medicare and the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, alongside other regulated professions, such as physiotherapy. The government’s current classification not only limits patient choice but also risks leaving older Australians without key preventive and restorative care that could help maintain their mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life."

 

Osteopathy Australia points out that osteopaths are qualified to support older Australians in diverse ways, from fall prevention and pain management to rehabilitative care and collaboration with other healthcare providers. This reclassification is not only a matter of fair recognition but also aligns with the growing demand for allied health services amidst widespread workforce shortages, as outlined in the pending National Allied Health Workforce Strategy.

 

Moreover, the exclusion from ‘allied health and therapy’ means osteopathy may become less accessible and affordable for patients, with increased out-of-pocket costs and fewer practitioners able to work within aged care due to funding limitations.

 

Osteopathy Australia calls on the government to explain and correct this oversight, recognising osteopathy within the appropriate allied health category to ensure that all Australians, particularly older populations, have equitable access to comprehensive, multidisciplinary care.

 

- Ends -