How Home Care Packages (HCP Levels 1 to 4) Pay for In-Home Allied Health Across Queensland
A straightforward guide for seniors, adult children, and care managers. Learn how HCP funds can be allocated directly to allied health with zero out-of-pocket costs.
Sarah Mitchell, BOccThy
Senior Occupational Therapist & Clinical Intake Lead
Key Takeaways for Support Coordinators & Families
- How HCP Levels 1 through 4 fund physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology
- The role of proactive allied health in delaying or preventing entry into residential aged care
- How Koina coordinates billing directly with your Care Manager or package provider
- Getting mobility equipment and minor home modifications approved from package reserves
Your Home Care Package is Designed for Independence
Many older Australians and their adult children think Home Care Packages are only for domestic cleaning, meal delivery, and lawn mowing. While those services are helpful, the primary purpose of an Australian Home Care Package (HCP) is reablement and restorative care—helping you stay strong, capable, and confident at home.
Under the My Aged Care framework, you have the right to allocate a portion of your package budget toward specialized allied health care, including in-home physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology.
How Allied Health Fits Across HCP Levels 1 to 4
Level 1 (Basic care needs): Ideal for an initial OT home safety audit and an occasional physiotherapist review to set up a home balance exercise program.
Level 2 (Low-level care needs): Supports regular fortnightly or monthly allied health visits to manage joint arthritis, mobility changes, and falls prevention equipment.
Level 3 & Level 4 (Intermediate to High-level care needs): Designed for more intensive support. This can include weekly therapy sessions, post-stroke rehabilitation, Parkinson’s disease management, dysphagia mealtime plans, and major home modifications like accessible bathrooms.
You never have to pay upfront out of your pension. Koina Allied Health enters into a service agreement with your Home Care Package provider (e.g. Anglicare, Bolton Clarke, Australian Unity, My Care Solution) and bills them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers regarding funding, referrals, and care delivery.
Do I need my Care Manager’s permission to start therapy?
Yes, your Care Manager or package coordinator must confirm there is sufficient budget in your monthly allocation. You can simply ask them to refer you to Koina Allied Health, or you can contact us directly and we will coordinate with your Care Manager.
What if my package funds are running low?
If your package is stretched, our clinicians can conduct an assessment and train an Allied Health Assistant or support worker to guide your routine exercises, drastically lowering monthly costs while maintaining therapy momentum.
Can HCP funds pay for walking frames and shower chairs?
Yes. Assistive technology recommended by an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist is an approved expenditure under Home Care Package guidelines.
Ready to refer a client for in-home allied health care?
Submit an intake request online in under 3 minutes. Reviewed by a clinician within 24 business hours across 13 Queensland regional hubs.