About the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme

Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme

The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) provides funding for medical aids and equipment to eligible Queensland residents who have a permanent and stabilised condition or a disability. The scheme helps people to live at home and avoid early or inappropriate residential care or hospitalisation.

Aids and equipment are subsidy funded on a permanent loan basis, through private ownership or the supply of consumables. If you pay for more than 50% of the cost for an item, you can choose to take ownership, rather than having a permanent loan. However, this means that you are responsible for all repairs to that item.

MASS General Guidelines

The MASS General Guidelines (PDF 428 kB) assist prescribers in submitting applications to MASS and are updated regularly to reflect new requirements and eligibility criteria. In general, clients may be eligible for assistance under MASS if they:

  • are a permanent resident of Queensland
  • have a permanent/stable condition or disability
  • hold a pensioner concession card, health care card or Queensland Government Senior Card
  • meet specific clinical eligibility criteria relevant to the aid.

Relevant application guidelines and forms for each scheme or aid/equipment provide detailed information regarding eligibility requirements.

Types of aids and equipment

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
In line with the recent changes to the Aged Care funding model and introduction of the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) funding, the MASS eligibility criteria for persons who reside in a residential aged care home will be updated from 13 March 2023. 

With the introduction of the AN-ACC, the concept of high and low care under the previous Aged Care Funding Instrument has been removed and does not apply to the AN-ACC funding model. Under AN-ACC, funding is linked to each classification (1 – 13) based on the measured average costs of providing all the specified care and services as needed for the people in each class.

These changes will be reflected in the MASS General Guidelines from 13 March 2023.

Prescribers should also refer to the relevant application guidelines and forms for each type of aid/equipment:

General MASS forms

MASS-eApply is available for prescribers to register and submit online applications for MASS clients. More information can be found on MASS-eApply webpage.

Feedback / Enquiry Form

Please complete this form if you would like to provide feedback or submit an enquiry to MASS.

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Last updated: 10 March 2023