With the introduction of the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home, the requirements have also changed for when you need to use providers from outside Chorus such as physiotherapy or to get home modifications done.
These providers are now called associated providers and provide essential services and supports to aged care customers on behalf of Chorus, similar to subcontracting.
As Chorus is a registered Support at Home provider under the new Aged Care Act, we are responsible for the quality of care and compliance for the services provided by the associated provider.
To use your funding, you need to ensure that you use a provider that has entered into an agreement with Chorus as an ‘approved Associated Provider’ so we can ensure that they comply with all the requirements. Your Local team can talk through some of options in your area.
How much will I get charged for using an Associated Provider?
The fees for these Providers who have already entered into an agreement will be charged as the published ‘Chorus price’ that you can find here.
What if I want to use a different provider?
If you wish to use a provider not already an Associated Provider, and there are no other alternatives that you would like to try, we can see if they are interested in becoming an Associated Provider. However, there will be a delay to your service provision while onboarding them.
My preferred provider charges more than the Chorus price, can I still use them?
If their pricing is higher than the Chorus, there is the possibility of entering into a separate agreement to confirm you are ok with the pricing being more than the published Chorus price i.e. provider price plus 10% to cover the costs incurred by Chorus.
The provider will still need to enter into an Associated Provider agreement with Chorus and comply with the requirements under the Aged Care Act and Support at Home.
Are all the same services still funded under Support at Home as under Home Care Packages?
There have been changes to what is funded under Support at Home, so it is always recommended to speak with your Local team to check to see if the service you need is covered under your specific circumstances.