A number of funding schemes to assist people with the purchase of continence products exist in Australia. These are:

Continence Aids Payment Scheme

Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) is a national scheme, funded through Medicare.

CAPS provides a payment to assist eligible people with permanent and severe incontinence to meet some of the costs of their continence products.

There are set criteria for eligibility, including having an eligible condition that is the cause of permanent and severe incontinence.

These conditions are divided into neurological and 'other' conditions. Lists of these conditions are included on the link below.

The application form is periodically updated, and the Health Department requests that applicants use the most recent form. Again, the forms are included in the link below.

Access information about CAPS 

Please note the recent  update on eligibility changes to the Continence Aids Payment Scheme

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national scheme, managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (an independent statutory agency).

The NDIS supports people with a permanent disability that prevents them from taking part in everyday activities.

Access information about NDIS

Rehabilitation Appliance Program

The Rehabilitation Appliance Program (RAP) is a national scheme, operated by the Department of Veteran's Affairs (DVA).

A limited (but still comprehensive) range and quantity of continence products are available to Veteran Gold Card or eligible Veteran White Card holders.

The products are determined by prescribers (e.g. Continence Nurse Specialist, RNs, medical specialists, GPs, LMOs, allied health professionals) based on an assessment, and supplied by either of two national suppliers.

Access information about RAP

State /Territory Funding Schemes

Most Australian states/territories operate one or more funding schemes, but the details vary from state to state.

These undoubtedly provide a valuable service to those eligible, but eligibility and exclusion criteria tend not to be coordinated with other schemes or states, and gaps in coverage may exist.

The Continence Foundation of Australia has produced a document which outlines the details of each state/territory funding scheme.

Access information about State/Territory funding schemes

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