Patient Assistance Transport Scheme

The Hon. S.L. GAME (16:44): I move:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges that the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme is vital to our rural regions;

2. Accepts that the government needs to review its current framework; and

3. Recognises that without the Patient Assisted Transport Scheme, patients in rural areas are more likely to die from a range of preventable illnesses.

You are more likely to die from a range of preventable and treatable diseases if you live outside Adelaide, and it is unacceptable. South Australia has one of the lowest subsidies available for patient assistance transport schemes in the nation. Today, I have brought a motion to this council to recognise that we need an immediate review of our ineffective Patient Assistance Transport Scheme.

PATS aims to financially support patients travelling long distances for medical treatment. This assistance covers transport costs such as fuel and accommodation. More than 13,000 South Australians received financial support last year through the scheme, highlighting how many people rely on it.

In 2013, Dr David Filby independently reviewed the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme, and he found many issues with the framework at the time, including the fuel and accommodation rate subsidies, support for carers, access to health services and the appeals process.

On 31 May 2022, I asked the Attorney-General when rebates were due to be increased. I was told that there were no current plans to change the PAT Scheme and it would be considered over time. In January 2023, the Malinauskas government did double the fuel allowance from 16¢ to 32¢ per kilometre travelled. While this was met with a positive reaction the truth is that it was the first significant increase in the PAT Scheme in more than 20 years.

South Australia has the lowest subsidy rate in the nation, particularly with accommodation. This state offers $40 for singles and $80 for couples if they travel more than 100 kilometres. All other states provide much higher rates for both singles and couples, with subsidies well over $100. If you are after a second opinion on your application, the PAT Scheme leaves little to be desired.

For example, the term 'medical specialist appointment' causes uncertainty regarding coverage for pathology and diagnostic testing, and a lack of clarity leads to payment inquiries. If the patient is still not satisfied with their determination they can turn to other departments or local MPs to advance their claim. This just adds another layer of red tape and bureaucracy to something that is easily avoidable.

There is a strict interpretation of support carers and escorts in the scheme. To be eligible as a carer or escort you must be deemed medically necessary by the referring GP or a specialist. This overlooks the emotional and social support of the patient and makes it harder to travel to required appointments, especially if the patient is already ill or frail.

In the South Australian scheme patients can only receive subsidies for medical specialists, which excludes coverage for GPs and allied health professionals. This results in a significant gap in healthcare services, potentially leading to missed opportunities for improved health and wellbeing outcomes. As a result, some will not access preventive health care due to the costs involved.

The success of the PATS relies on the collaboration of all involved stakeholders, including government bodies, healthcare providers, transport services and rural communities. Advocating for the expansion and improvement of the scheme is crucial to ensure accessibility, efficiency and responsiveness to the changing needs of South Australians.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. B.R. Hood.