Budget 2015 | Aged Care Changes
Rental income exemption removed
The rental income exemption under the aged care means test, for aged care residents who are renting out their former home and paying their aged care accommodation costs by periodic payment, will no longer apply. This applies to new residents entering aged care from 1 January 2016.
Comment:
It is a common strategy to rent out the former home, when the aged care resident is paying their accommodation cost by periodic payment, to receive an indefinite exemption for the former home under the Age Pension Assets Test. Conderation will now need to be given as to the impact rental income will have on aged care fees.
Increasing consumer choice for home care
From 1 February 2017, Home Care Packages will be allocated directly to consumers by the My Aged Care Gateway. The My Aged Care Gateway will be responsible for prioritising clients’ access to packages at the regional level within the number of packages allocated through the planning ratio, enabling aged care recipients to receive services from a provider of their choice, including the ability to change services.
