What is the CAPS?

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme is an Australian Government payment that will assist eligible people who have permanent and severe incontinence to meet some of the costs of their continence products. 

It will be a direct payment to clients, by Medicare Australia, to a nominated bank account increasing flexibility and choice about where and when clients purchase their continence products.

Who is eligible for the CAPS?

Eligibility for the CAPS will remain the same as the CAAS. People aged five years or older who have a permanent and severe incontinence due to an eligible neurological condition or have permanent and severe incontinence caused by another condition (with a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card) will continue to be eligible.

What is the difference between the CAAS and the CAPS?

The CAAS is administered by Intouch, a sole provider. The CAPS will be administered by Medicare Australia and will provide a direct payment to clients allowing access to the continence suppliers of their choice.

When will CAPS start?

The CAPS will commence 1 July 2010.

What will happen to CAAS and its current clients?

The Department will transition existing clients to the new scheme in 2009-10 to ensure current clients are not disadvantaged.

CAAS will continue to be administered by Intouch until 30 June 2010 and clients can continue to access their subsidy for continence products until the commencement of CAPS on 1 July 2010.

How will Medicare Australia get my details?

Your details will be provided to Medicare Australia in accordance with the CAAS Application Guidelines to enable them to contact you and assist you with the transfer to the new scheme.

How much is the CAPS payment?

The CAPS payment will be in line with the current value available under the CAAS (up to $489.95 in 2009-10) and will continue to be indexed annually.

Who will be making the payment to my bank account?

The CAPS will be administered by Medicare Australia.

How do I apply for CAPS?

CAAS will continue to be administered by Intouch until 30 June 2010. Clients can continue to apply for assistance under the CAAS until 30 June 2010 through Intouch.

After CAPS commences on 1 July 2010, application for assistance will be through Medicare Australia. 

What do I need to do?

As a current CAAS client you will be transferred to the new Scheme provided you meet Medicare’s request for additional information.

Will my eligibility for CAPS be reviewed?

As a current CAAS client, you will be transferred to the new Scheme provided you meet Medicare’s request for additional information.

• Where can I go for information about the CAPS?
• Where can I go to help me understand if I am eligible for the CAPS?
• Where can I go to seek help to better manage my condition?
• Can I provide feedback on the CAPS?

For information about how Intouch Direct can continue to service your CAAS/CAPS clients, call 1300 134 260.