Chronic Disease Management Funding
Medicare Rebates for Allied Health Services
The GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) is a Medicare initiative that helps cover part of the cost of allied health services, including Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy, for people with ongoing health needs. If your child has a medical condition that has lasted (or is expected to last) six months or more, they may be eligible for up to five rebated sessions per year (or ten for eligible First Nations clients).
This initiative helps families access essential therapy without carrying the full financial cost of private healthcare.
What’s Changed?
The GPCCMP was introduced on 1 July 2025, replacing the previous Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan and Team Care Arrangement system. While the structure is mostly the same, there are some updates, especially around how therapy goals are included and how reports are provided back to the GP.
Plans created before 1 July 2025 can still be used until 30 June 2027. After that, a GPCCMP will be required for ongoing rebates.
Who Is Eligible?
Your child may be eligible for a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) if:
- They have a condition lasting (or expected to last) six months or more, such as speech or language delays, motor difficulties, sensory challenges, developmental disorders, or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Your GP will decide if your child is eligible.
- Your family doctor has created and submitted a current GPCCMP
How to Get Started
To apply for GPCCMP funding, you can:
- Book an appointment with your child’s GP
- Discuss your child’s needs and whether a GPCCMP might be appropriate
- If eligible, your GP will:
- Prepare the plan
- Set therapy goals
- Provide a referral to your chosen provider
- Bring a copy of the referral to your first Chatterbox appointment
- Bring your Medicare and EFTPOS card. Therapy is paid in full at the time of the session, but we process your rebate on the spot
- We’ll handle the admin by sending the required reports to your GP and keeping progress notes on file
Using Your Sessions
Once you have a valid GPCCMP, here’s what you need to know:
- Your child can access one plan per calendar year, unless there’s a significant health change
- They get up to 5 rebated sessions per year (or 10 for First Nations clients)
- Rebates don’t roll over. Any unused sessions expire at the end of the year
- These sessions can be:
- All with one provider (e.g. 5 speech sessions), or
- Split across multiple services (e.g. 3 OT + 2 speech)
- You can’t use private health insurance or other funding options to pay the gap.
How Much Is the Rebate?
As of 1 July 2025, the Medicare rebate is $61.80 per session. Chatterbox offers on-the-spot claiming, so you’ll receive your rebate immediately after the appointment.
Please note: A small admin fee applies for GPCCMP sessions to cover Medicare reporting requirements. You’ll be notified of this when booking.
Need more info?
That’s okay, we’re here to help you figure it out.