Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme Review

Queensland Health is leading a review of the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS).

The review of the MASS will consider how it can meet the needs of Queenslanders now and in the future.

Scope of the review

The review will assess how the MASS is currently working and opportunities to strengthen its impact and effectiveness. The review aims to understand the range of experiences, including what is working well and what could be improved.

The review will also consider how the scheme can align with broader reforms across the health, disability and aged care sectors, as well as how the MASS can support the increasing demand and complexities of our health system.

What is changing

At this stage, there are no changes to the MASS services, eligibility criteria or funding arrangements. The focus of the review is to listen, learn, and collaborate on shaping the scheme for the future.

Thank you for having your say

Thank you for your time and valuable input to the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) Review. Your engagement has helped shape our understanding of the scheme’s current state and allowed us to hear from diverse perspectives.

We have now completed the first phase of engagement, which included targeted focus groups, an online survey, individual meetings, written submissions, and partnership with Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) to connect with people living with a disability.

Since July 2025, the MASS Review project team has reached:

• Over 60 clinical and non-clinical staff from the MASS and Metro South Hospital and Health Services.
• Senior executives from across Queensland Health’s 16 Hospital and Health Services.
• Multiple Queensland Health Clinical Networks, local communities of practice, as well clinical experts and specialist services.
• Over 90 public and private sector health professionals and prescribers of assistive technology through targeted focus groups.
• 375 prescribers of assistive technology, 142 users of assistive technology, 33 suppliers of assistive technology, 23 client representatives, 14 hospital administrators and 60 HHS staff via an online survey.
• Targeted engagement with peak body organisations representing older people, people living with a disability, professional groups, and assistive technology suppliers.
• 18 people living with a disability though targeted focus groups and one-on-one interviews, co-designed and led by QDN.

We have also spent time analysing program data, consulting literature, learning about the new Support at Home Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, and engaging with colleagues running similar aids and equipment programs in other states and territories.

The project focus will now shift to exploring the future state of the MASS, including assessing feasibility of delivering the new Support at Home Assistive Technology Loans Scheme on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. This next phase will run through to April 2026 and build on the insights gathered during our engagement activities.