Spinal and lower limb orthoses
The new Act started on 1 November 2025 and responds to issues facing older people, aged care providers, workers and the broader sector. It puts the rights of older people at the centre of the aged care system.
At this time, there are no changes to the MASS General Guidelines or eligibility criteria to access funding for aids and equipment through MASS programs. Please continue to monitor the MASS websites for more information.
Subsidy funding is available under the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) to support eligible Queenslanders who require spinal and lower limb orthoses.
Available orthoses
- Hip knee ankle foot orthoses (HKAFO)
- Ankle foot orthoses (AFO)
- Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO)
- Knee orthoses (KO)
- Cervical orthoses (CO)
- Thoracic-lumbo-sacral orthoses (TLSO)
- Cervico-thoraco-lumbo-sacral orthoses (CTLSO)
- approved modifications and components that are part of the current prescription.
MASS does not subsidise
- Prostheses for upper and/or lower limbs - contact Queensland Artificial Limb Service (QALS)
- Pressure garments/surgical stockings for oedema, circulatory control, scar management, postural support and neurological control
- Reciprocating gait orthoses (rgos) or equivalent mobility items
- Surgical corsets
- Cervical collars
- Foot orthoses - insoles, inserts, arch supports, heel cushions, heel cups when not included with an application for medical grade footwear
- Upper limb orthoses
- Cranial orthoses
- Thoraco-lumbo-sacral-hip-knee-ankle-foot support or equivalent (parapodium standing frame)
- Hip abduction orthoses
- Stock "sports type" guards (eg. For knee, ankle, wrist, elbow)
- Knee immobiliser (eg. Richard Depuy)
- Patella bands.
Eligible prescribers
- Private orthopaedic surgeons
- Medical specialists in rheumatology, rehabilitation, geriatrics and neurology
How to apply
Specific eligibility, application and documentation requirements are provided in both the MASS General Guidelines (PDF 426 kB) and Application Guidelines for Orthoses (PDF 298 kB). Applicants should seek a referral to an eligible prescriber for a medical prescription then make an appointment with an orthotist from the MASS approved orthotist list for a quote to include with their application form. Re-applications for subsidy funding must be 18 months from the last approval for adults (16 years and older) and 12 months for children (under 16 years).
Application guidelines (including current subsidy amounts)
Application forms
- MASS 60 - Orthoses Application Form (PDF 1017 kB)
- MASS 82 - MGF/Orthoses Photographic Consent Form (PDF 787 kB)
- MASS 70 - Acquittal Form (PDF 741 kB)
Approved orthotists
Resources for clinicians
Advice and clinical support
Contact the MASS Principal Medical Advisor for Orthoses.