For details of the Extras products that will cover counselling, see the FAQs at the PACFA website.
How to become a recognised Provider
Medibank and ahm have announced new benefits for counselling which
will be available on a wide range of their Extras products from 15
October 2020.
Medibank members whose Extras products include “Mental health
support” can claim a benefit for counselling consultations with a
Medibank recognised Provider, that have occurred on or after 15 October,
up to their annual limit.
ahm members whose Extras products include “Psychology and
Counselling” can claim a benefit for Counselling consultations with an
ahm recognised Provider, that has occurred on or after 15 October, up to
their annual limit.
This is a significant change that will be of great benefit to clients
who need support with their mental health. A very large number of
Medibank and ahm Extras products now include cover for counselling,
making counselling much more accessible and affordable for clients.
PACFA Members and Registrants who are already providers for Medibank will continue to be Medibank recognised Providers.
PACFA will be writing to Members and Registrants who are already
Medibank recognised Providers in the coming weeks to advise them that
they can now also be ahm recognised Providers.
New applications from eligible PACFA Members and Registrants to become recognised Providers for Medibank and ahm are now open. All new applicants must meet the eligibility criteria so please check that you are eligible before applying using the Online Application Form.
Eligibility criteria – Medibank and ahm
Counsellors and psychotherapists with current PACFA membership or
registration can apply for registration with Medibank and ahm as a
recognised Counselling provider if they meet the following eligibility
criteria:
- Providers must have completed an (AQF level 7) Bachelor’s Degree or
an (AQF level 9) Master’s Degree in Counselling/Psychotherapy or have
been assessed as having completed an equivalent overseas Bachelor or
Masters’ qualification; and must also have a minimum of 750 hours of
supervised client contact.
- Providers must hold current Professional Indemnity Insurance of $1,000,000 minimum, per claim.
- The professional indemnity insurance policy must cover each practice location and each modality.
- The provider must also be in possession of a current First Aid Certificate.
For more information on the new Medibank and ahm arrangements,
including the item numbers and invoicing requirements, please see the
FAQs at the PACFA website.