The Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie says a mechanism to manage management fees paid by Australians receiving home care is desperately needed.
Ms Sharkie raised the issue during Question Time last week, saying a price cap is the only way Government can stop the ‘exorbitant’ management fees.
The Centre Alliance MP alleges some providers are gouging up to 45% of a package in fees and charges, and said that if Government is unwilling to take action, she would be moved to introduce a Private Members Bill to change legislation.
“One elderly woman in my electorate, who needs far more care than she currently receives, managed to secure a Level 2 package worth $1,270 per month, $575 of which will be taken out in management fees; and another lady with a Level 3 package has to pay nearly $10,000 of her $35,000 annual package in management fees to her not-for-profit provider," she said.
“Another constituent on a Level 4 package is paying $1,086 a month in care management fees. This equates to a quarter of her package, funds that could and should be focused on her care."
Ms Sharkie has previously introduced bills calling for mandatory publication of aged care staffing ratios and greater financial transparency from providers.
