Mobility aids

Subsidy funding is available under the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) to support eligible Queenslanders who require daily living and mobility aids.

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO MANDATORY EQUIPMENT TRIAL REQUIREMENTS: MASS is temporarily removing mandatory trialling requirements for some basic equipment types.

Available mobility aids

  • Infant/child seated mobility aids
  • Manual and power wheelchairs and accessories/modifications
  • Wheeled walking aids
  • Foam and pressure redistribution - Wheelchair Cushions

Eligible prescribers

Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and rehabilitation engineers are eligible to prescribe. In rural and remote areas, a registered nurse can prescribe (with designated specialist endorsement).

How to Prescribe

Specific eligibility, application and documentation requirements are provided in the MASS General Guidelines (PDF 428 kB) and application guidelines relevant to the type of aid. Prescribers conduct specialist assessments to determine the aids and equipment needs of clients. Prescribers can access MASS stock equipment for a maximum two week trial if they intend to prescribe the aid for an eligible client.

Once a suitable device has been selected, prescribers work with the client to complete and submit the MASS 20 DLA/MOB - Daily Living Aids and Mobility Equipment Application Form (PDF 1650 kB) and the Application Form specific to the type of device.

Important Update on Mandatory Trial Requirements

As part of MASS’s commitment to quality service provision, MASS Equipment Services is temporarily removing the mandatory requirement to trial some basic equipment items funded by MASS.  The removal of mandatory trial requirements for the below equipment categories will be trialled up to 30 June 2024. A review will be undertaken at that time, to determine the benefits of permanent changes to trialling requirements.

The temporary change is in response to challenges for applicants in locating a therapist/prescriber to assist them with provision of basic equipment funded through MASS and to reduce timeframes in obtaining equipment required for day-to-day mobility and daily living activities.

The equipment categories included in the temporary removal for mandatory trial are:

  • Wheeled Walking Aid (NEW)
  • Basic Manual Wheelchair – no accessories except anti tips. (NEW)

Important assessment information for prescribers:

  • All equipment products under the MASS Standing Offer Arrangement continue to be available for trial from the SOA supplier/agent, where deemed necessary by the prescriber.
  • Where the requested product/model from the above categories has not been trialled with an applicant and/or in their home environment, the prescriber is required to review specifications and complete a functional assessment, including assessing transportation requirements. This is to ensure compatibility and safety with the client’s needs, a suitable fit within the home environment and where necessary, include consultation with relevant stakeholders.
  • Where the non-trialled product is deemed unsuitable for use by the applicant, they should contact their prescriber in the first instance. The prescriber should contact MASS with details to discuss a resolution. Prescribers should be able to demonstrate to MASS that reasonable clinical practice was utilised in the item’s prescription.
  • MASS and MASS Standing Offer Arrangement suppliers/agents are not obligated to provide an exchange or replacement product where the non-trialled prescribed product is not suitable.

NEW - Basic Mobility Aids Trial

MASS recognises that increased frailty and declining functional ability impact directly on an individual’s health, wellbeing, comfort, and places them at significant risk of avoidable/premature hospital admission.

MASS is conducting a trial, which aims to address this issue by increasing available options for prescribers when applying for mobility aids (manual and power wheelchair) required for effective mobility to maintain independence, to assist carer’s in managing clients mobility needs at home and prevent premature hospital admission.

This trial introduces a new range of basic manual and power wheelchair options for provision as per the clinical criteria noted in the Basic Mobility Aids Trial Guidelines (PDF 220 kB), which is supplementary to the Application Guidelines for Mobility Aids (PDF 336 kB). These new categories will support the current MASS eligibility requirements for “The most basic mobility item which meets the applicants needs for seating, mobility and functional activities to be requested”.

Funding for these basic manual and power wheelchair categories is on a trial basis only. MASS has not received additional funding to support this initiative and the viability of the trial is dependent on existing budget constraints being met.

Basic Definition – off the shelf, lightweight, foldable/transportable, cost effective, no requirement for adjustability.

Mobility aid application guidelines (including current subsidy amounts)

Mobility aid resources

Mobility aid application forms

MASS-eApply (online applications) is the preferred method of application submission. To register click here or for further information click here.  Tutorials on completing MASS-eApply applications can be found here.

Equipment letter template

MASS WAREHOUSE STOCK

MASS Stock and Warehouse Access

Access to MASS stock for trial and allocation for eligible clients is currently on hold. In order to continue supporting Hospitals and Acute/Rapid Care agencies to facilitate urgent discharge or in home care, MASS may provide an item via direct purchase from the approved supplier/agent. Please review information on the updated MASS Stock warehouse list and contact MASS-Stock@health.qld.gov.au for approval for direct purchase.

Brisbane: MASS-Stock@health.qld.gov.au
Monday to Friday – tele or video conference available

Townsville: MASS-Equipment-TSV@health.qld.gov.au

Direct Purchase for trial

Question Id
(Enter as a capital Q
and a number
no spaces)
Question or StatementResponseGo to Question or Outcome
(based on response selected)
Q1Has trial been successfully completed?
e.g. through supplier, own equipment pool, Client's existing equipment.
YesOutcome1
  NoQ2
Q2Contact MASS Clinical Advisor (MASS-stock@health.qld.gov.au) to confirm item is eligible* for Direct Purchase for Trial.
Note: item MUST be on MASS SOA and within subsidy/able to be fully funded by MASS.

*Or suitable alternate eligible item identified during discussion with MASS clinician.
Item is confirmed eligible for Direct Purchase.Q3
  Item is NOT eligible for direct purchase but is requiredOutcome2
Q3Contact MASS SOA Supplier/Agent and confirm item is available in stock for immediate supply on receipt of MASS Purchase Order.Item is in stockQ4
  Item is NOT in stockQ2
Q4

Complete MASS Application for Trial from Stock and include the following:

  1. In 'other relevant info' free text box at start of form, enter that you were advised by MASS to do Direct Purchase for Trial.
  2. Record P00000 in the Plaque field of the Trial Application form.
  3. Provide a quote to MASS - either upload to MASS-eApply or email to MASS-equipment@health.qld.gov.au.  Include Client details:   Name, MASS-eApply Application ID, MASS reference Number if known.
Application is submittedQ5
Q5

On completion of Trial, submit Trial Feedback Form.

Trial is successfulOutcome3
  Trial is NOT successfulOutcome4

Yes - Trial has been successfully completed

Obtain quote and Specification form if relevant and submit MASS DLA/Mobility application.


Item is NOT eligible for direct purchase

Item is NOT eligible for direct purchase but is required - arrange trial through supplier, obtain quote and submit MASS DLA/Mobility Application.


Trial is successful

Equipment remains with Client.


Trial is NOT successful

Contact MASS to arrange collection of equipment for delivery to MASS Warehouse. Further trials must be completed through a Supplier.


Warehouse Access

The MASS warehouses will remain closed. Please monitor this website for updates.

  • Brisbane – open warehouse on Wednesday and Thursday – CLOSED
  • Townsville – open warehouse – CLOSED

Note: return of stock items to the warehouse must be organised by MASS via courier.

Standing Offer Arrangement (SOA) - Mobility aid products and suppliers

Resources

Advice and clinical support

For clinical advice and support when prescribing mobility aids, please contact the relevant MASS Principal Aids Advisor.

Information for applicants

Contact MASS

Find out about

  • Types of aids and equipment
  • Eligibility
  • How to apply

SOA products and suppliers

Find a list of Standing Offer Arrangement (SOA) mobility aids and suppliers.

Mobility aid resources

Find fact sheets and videos to help clients with setting up, using and maintaining their mobility aid.

Online Applications

MASS-eApply is available for prescribers to register and submit applications to MASS.

Last updated: 26 September 2023