Medicare Rebates Available

Medicare

With a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP, a Medicare rebate may be available for Speech Pathology sessions. We'll help you understand the process, what's covered, and what to expect at each step.

Bright Speech Pathology therapy room at Mustard Seed Health Care in Yagoona

Two ways to access Medicare

Which Medicare Pathway Applies to You?

There are two separate Medicare pathways that can help with Speech Pathology. Your GP or specialist can advise which one is right for you or your child.

GP Chronic Condition Management Plan

For children and adults with a chronic or complex health condition.

  • Up to 5 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year
  • Shared across all allied health services
  • Your GP prepares the plan and refers you
  • The referral doesn't need to name a clinic, so you can choose us

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your session type and funding. Contact us for details.

Autism and Other Eligible Conditions (Under 25)

For children and young people under 25 with autism or another eligible condition.

  • Up to 8 assessment sessions and 20 treatment sessions with a Medicare rebate
  • Covers autism and other eligible disabilities
  • Since 1 March 2026, also covers stuttering, speech sound disorders (including childhood apraxia of speech) and cleft lip and/or palate
  • Requires a referral from a GP, paediatrician or psychiatrist, depending on the condition

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your session type and funding. Contact us for details.

Not sure which applies to you? Ask your GP, or contact our team and we'll help you work it out.

How it works

How to Access Medicare Rebates

The process is straightforward. Here's exactly what to do.

Step 1

Talk to Your GP

Make an appointment with your GP and discuss whether a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan is appropriate for you or your child. Mention that you're looking to access Speech Pathology.

Step 2

Receive Your Referral

Your GP will prepare a referral for a Speech Pathologist as part of your GP care plan. You'll receive this at your appointment or shortly after. Keep it safe. You'll need it.

Step 3

Get Started With Us

Contact Mustard Seed Health Care with your referral in hand. We'll arrange your appointment and check that everything is in order before you attend.

Step 4

Claim Your Rebate

After each session, you can claim your Medicare rebate, and our team can help you with the process.

Rebates & costs

Understanding the Medicare Rebate

A Medicare rebate applies to each eligible session. The amount is set by the Australian Government and updated each year. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your session type and funding. Our team will explain all costs before your first appointment.

Medicare rebates apply to individual sessions, not report writing. If you need more support than Medicare covers, NDIS or private health may help, and we're happy to talk through your options.

Important to know

Before You Get Started

  • Your GP referral no longer needs to name a specific clinic, so you can choose us as your provider
  • Your GP care plan must have been prepared or reviewed by your GP in the last 18 months
  • Referrals written before 1 July 2025 stay valid until your sessions are used up
  • The 5 sessions are shared across all allied health services, not just Speech Pathology
  • Medicare sessions reset on 1 January each calendar year
  • You can combine Medicare sessions with private-pay sessions if you need more
  • Telehealth sessions are eligible for the Medicare rebate
  • Medicare rebates are paid into your nominated bank account via the Medicare app or myGov
  • Bring your referral letter and Medicare card to your first appointment

Common questions

Medicare FAQs

Ready to Get Started with Your Medicare Referral?

Get your GP care plan referral from your GP and we'll take care of the rest. Our team makes claiming your Medicare rebate easy.

Prefer to talk? Call us on (02) 9052 6095