In AUSTRALIA: External Breast Prostheses Reimbursement Program
This National Reimbursement began in July 2008 and assists women who have had a mastectomy due to breast cancer and covers the cost of a new or replacement external breast prosthesis.
Eligibility Basics:
How Much Can You Claim?
If eligible, you are entitled to claim back the cost of a new breast form (external breast prosthesis) up to the value of $400 every two years for a single mastectomy. For women who have undergone a double mastectomy the rebate value covers both prosthesis to the value of $800.
The rebate is paid upon approved original receipts of the breastform purchase and is capped to $400, you cannot claim more than the price paid for the breast form.
For more information, visit your local Medicare Office or visit the Australian Government Department of Human Services Website:
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/external-breast-prostheses-reimbursement-program
In NEW ZEALAND: Breast Prosthesis Subsidy
The Breast Prosthesis Service Payment is payment to people who have undergone a partial or full mastectomy, either unilateral or bilateral, and/or have undergone a lumpectomy, have congenital needs, or have had reconstructive surgery, as specified by a specialist or general practitioner (GP).
The payments are to reduce the cost of purchasing breast prostheses and other related products. Sector Services, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, will pay this service payment to either the claimant or the supplier of the product.
Who can claim this service payment?
You may claim for this service payment if you:
How much can I claim?
Your entitlement is $613.33 (GST incl) per side for a 4-year period. You may claim any amount up to the total amount of $613.33 (or $1226.66 for bilateral) at any time during the 4-year entitlement period.
Note: The entitlement period begins on the date you make your first purchase from a supplier and ends 4 years from this date.
What can I use the service payment for?
The service payment is available to cover the cost of the following items only:
For more information visit the New Zealand Ministry of Health Website:
Other Useful Resources:
Australia Wide
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Cancer Australia
Westmead Breast Cancer Institute
Bosom Buddies
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Western Australia