COVID-19 RESPONSE PACKAGE
● $2.6 billion over 2 years for procurement and distribution of RATs and PPE
● Includes RAT Concessional Access Program allowing up to 20 free RATs for concession card holders to 31 July 2022
● Distribution of RATs to aged care and health facilities, NDIS participants and workers ● Purchase of PPE for National Medical Stockpile for use in aged care facilities
● Further $1.1 billion over 2 years for COVID emergency response including funding for TGA and purchase and distribution of pulse oximeters to community health practices
● $458.1 million over 5 years to support response to COVID in aged care MBS New and Amended Listings
● $5.3 million for new items for TAVI in the lowrisk population and dual-filter cerebral embolic protection system
● $4.8 million including for cryoablation of renal cell carcinoma
● Additional MBS funding for PET and MRI testing for cancers and genetic testing for genetic conditions
● Reviewing and reprogramming of neurostimulators for chronic pain by videoconference
● Remote programming and monitoring new items for deep brain stimulation and cardiac internal loop recorders
● There are other amendments that are updating and changing criteria for items that may involve device technology Digital (Connected) Health
● Further $32.3 million to the Australian Digital Health Agency for one year to support Intergovernmental Agreement on Digital Health (this expires end of 2022)
● Some additional funding included in a larger measure for general practice to improve linkages of My Health Record and continue temporary telehealth services
● Some funding for digital mental health services under larger initiatives Other health measures
● $66 million for removal of restrictions on MRI machines in regional, rural and remote Australia ● $423.7 million over 5 years for facilities and research for cancer
● $525.3 million over 4 years to reduce the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) safety net threshold
● $40.7 million over 3 years for increased testing and screening for cancers to address reduction of these during COVID Medical Research Future Fund
● Continued investment already earmarked funds of $1.3 billion in medical research, translation and researcher skill development Public Hospitals Funding
● $28.1 billion in the 2022–23 Budget, and an increase of $9.8 billion since 2021–22 Budget.