Mobility aids
Subsidy funding is available under the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) to support eligible Queenslanders who require daily living and mobility aids.
MASS Equipment Services is commencing a new Standing Offer Arrangement (MSHHS122552) for approved equipment from 1 July 2024. View list of approved equipment and suppliers.
In order to assist prescribers, clients and suppliers transition from SOA 99/3/1 2014 to the new Arrangement, quotes/requests for products from suppliers and their agents under the old SOA may be accepted up until 30 August 2024.
Resources and MASS-eApply application forms are being updated at present. Please watch this space for future updates. Please contact MASS on 3136 3524 if you would like more information.
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 426 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 Daily Living Aids and Mobility Equipment Application Form and the Supplementary 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 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.
Mobility aid application guidelines (including current subsidy amounts)
Mobility aid resources
- Applicant Information Sheet for Daily Living and Mobility Equipment Subsidy Funding (MASS 20)
(PDF 280 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
Prescribers may submit applications for Daily Living and Mobility Aids through MASS-eApply (online applications).
Supplementary forms to attach to MASS-eApply application:
- 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)
MASS-eApply Daily Living Aids Short Form
MASS-eApply has a new form: Daily Living Aids and Mobility Equipment – Short Form. This form can be used to submit application requests for basic items that are on SOA only, including: Static or 3-in-1 commodes, over toilet aids, bath transfer benches, swivel bathseats, static shower chairs or stools, and wheeled walking aids.
Where other items are also requested in the same application, or for non-SOA requests, please complete the MASS-eApply Daily Living Aids and Mobility Equipment form.
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.
Approved 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.