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 427 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)
- Application Guidelines for Mobility Aids (PDF 336 kB)
- Application Guidelines for Pressure Redistribution Support Surfaces (PDF 301 kB)
Mobility aid resources
- Applicant Information Sheet for Daily Living and Mobility Equipment Subsidy Funding (MASS 20)
(PDF 241 kB) - Equipment Services Application Process Flowchart (PDF 108 kB)
- Equipment Services Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 199 kB)
- Supporting Information Power Assist (PDF 149 kB)
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.
- Login to MASS-eApply to complete online Mobility Aids Applications
- MASS 20 DLA/MOB - Daily Living Aids and Mobility Equipment Application Form (PDF 1650 kB)
- MASS 82 - Consent for Photograph/Video Form (PDF 698 kB)
- MASS 24 - Home Access Checklist for Power Wheelchairs (PDF 1189 kB)
- MASS 28 - Standing Wheelchair Checklist (PDF 492 kB)
- Standing Wheelchair Subsidy Funding Declaration (PDF 1048 kB)
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 Statement | Response | Go to Question or Outcome (based on response selected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Has trial been successfully completed? e.g. through supplier, own equipment pool, Client's existing equipment. | Yes | Outcome1 |
| No | Q2 | ||
| Q2 | Contact 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 required | Outcome2 | ||
| Q3 | Contact MASS SOA Supplier/Agent and confirm item is available in stock for immediate supply on receipt of MASS Purchase Order. | Item is in stock | Q4 |
| Item is NOT in stock | Q2 | ||
| Q4 | Complete MASS Application for Trial from Stock and include the following:
| Application is submitted | Q5 |
| Q5 | On completion of Trial, submit Trial Feedback Form. | Trial is successful | Outcome3 |
| Trial is NOT successful | Outcome4 |
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.
- MASS 26 - Request to Trial MASS Stock Equipment (PDF 1543 kB)
- MASS may request that a generic script form is submitted by prescribers for mobility aids, in addition to the current MASS 26 trial form. The script forms allow prescribers to specify the mobility aids set up and configuration to optimise the success of the stock trial.
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.
