GETTING THINGS DONE: COST-OF-LIVING RELIEF TO SUPPORT SUNSHINE COAST LOCALS TRAVELING TO ACCESS HEALTHCARE

• The Miles Government is removing the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme’s four-night rule, saving Queenslanders travelling to access healthcare hundreds of dollars.
• Last year, the Minister for Health called a review into the scheme to ensure it was correctly meeting the needs of Queenslanders.
• This new cost-saving initiative highlights the Miles Government’s commitment to removing barriers for Queenslanders accessing healthcare, no matter where they live.

The Miles Government is making it easier for Queenslanders living in regional, rural, and remote communities to access healthcare by expanding the support available under its PTSS.

From 1 September 2024, Queenslanders travelling to access healthcare under the PTSS won’t have to pay for accommodation in full thanks to the removal of the four-night rule.

The good news comes after the Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman called an administrative review into the scheme last year, to ensure Queenslanders were able to access the healthcare they needed, no matter where they live.

Currently, people pay out-of-pocket for their first four nights of accommodation in each financial year, unless they can access an exemption by virtue of being a minor or holding a concession card.

Queensland is a large and decentralised state, which means some people need to travel to access complex treatment, such as cardiology or oncology services, to ensure that they have the best chance of recovering and can receive the best possible quality of care.

Across the state, the PTSS provides financial support to subsidise the costs of accommodation and transport for more than 95,000 Queenslanders each year.

Last financial year, over 2,800 patients in the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service region accessed the scheme.

For more information visit: The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman:

“This is a huge cost-of-living relief win for our Sunshine Coast community.

“We know that Queenslanders are struggling right now, and many have told us that the four-night rule is no longer affordable.

“Travelling long distances away from pets and loved ones to access healthcare can be stressful enough without the added financial pressure.

“That’s why, I ordered an administrative review of our PTSS to ensure we can make it as easy as possible for Queenslanders to get the care they need and deserve.

“I would also like to acknowledge government members from rural and regional areas who have advocated on behalf of their communities.

“We have listened and we are acting.

“I’m so proud of this change and of our government’s record in breaking down barriers to healthcare for Queenslanders, no matter where they live.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt:
“When health scares happen and you need to travel, the last thing you want to do is worry about how you’re going to get to treatment.

“Since I was elected, I have been fighting to make access to our world class healthcare easier for people on the Caloundra community.

“This announcement does just that, the removal of the 4-night-rule from the Patient Transport Subsidy Scheme reduces the financial burden for patients who travel to receive complex healthcare treatment.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that delivers cost of living relief and opens up better access to healthcare for everyone in our community.

Quotes attributable to Member for Nicklin, Rob Skelton:
“We have access to great healthcare here on the Sunshine Coast, but sometimes, patients need to travel to receive certain treatments.

“Ordinarily the costs of travel can be burdensome for patients and their families, so removing the 4-night-rule will mean patients can access the Patient Transport Subsidy Scheme for their first night away for treatment.

“This is a huge win for patients in our community.