The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority has released a new consultation paper seeking sector-wide input into how in-home aged care services will be priced under the Support at Home program in 2027–28.
The paper outlines key priorities for refining the pricing framework and calls for submissions from providers, workers, peak bodies, government agencies, care recipients, families, carers and the broader public.
According to IHACPA, broad engagement is critical to ensuring its pricing advice to the government reflects both the real cost of delivering care and the evolving needs of older Australians receiving services at home.
The consultation builds on feedback from previous rounds and focuses on several priority areas, including improving future cost collection processes to encourage greater participation, gaining a clearer understanding of cost pressures across the sector, and examining differences in cost structures between the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the incoming Support at Home model.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide targeted, evidence-based submissions, particularly in areas aligned with their expertise. IHACPA noted that contributors do not need to respond to every question, with focused submissions often providing the most value.
Respondents are also advised to include background information about their role in the aged care sector to help contextualise their feedback. Submissions supported by data or references are expected to carry greater weight in informing pricing decisions.
The authority will use the feedback to finalise its Pricing Framework for Australian Support at Home Aged Care Services 2027–28 and develop formal pricing advice for the Australian Government.
Submissions can be made via an online form, email or post, with contributors required to include a completed submission form if lodging responses outside the online portal.
Consultation submissions close at 5 pm AEST on Friday, 10 April 2026.
