CAA UPDATE: ADF Family Health Program
Chiropractic is eligible for claims reimbursement under the National Australian Defence Force Family Health Program. The program is a Government sponsored initiative and is considered a fringe benefit. Defence Force family members do not need a referral and can choose their own provider.
This program means family members of ADF (Australian Defence Force) and dependants of Reservists on continuous fulltime service can claim up to $400 of allied health a year, for Chiropractic consultations by a certified provider. They get $200 between now and June 30 and then $400 for the full financial year 2014/2015.
If the ADF family members have private health insurance, the program benefits can be used in addition to their private health insurance.The National ADF Family Health Program provides $400 for each registered dependant per Financial Year to use towards GST free non-cosmetic allied health services and / or used to off-set the gap expenses for specialist consultations. This amount is a family allocation which can be transferred between family members (for example; a family of 3 dependants will be allocated $1,200 per Financial Year).
Allied health providers can process the ADF members claim on the spot by swiping their ADF Family Health Card through the HICAPS system if it is installed. If not, the ADF family member will be required to pay the fee in full and claim the reimbursement from ADF Family Health.
Members of the serving military are still required to be referred by their military doctor to access Chiropractic care through approved providers. Veterans also need a referral.
For more information about the National ADF family health program visit www.defence.gov.au
Dr Lawrence Tassell, BA, DipEd, DC
President, CAA National
The Peak Body Representing Chiropractors