19/06/2025
The AMA has been pushing for reform to funding for wound care including taking the issue up with former Health Minister, Greg Hunt in 2017. We also proposed a Free Medicare Chronic Wound Care Scheme in our submissions to the MBS Review Taskforce.
The $50 million scheme, which begins today, provides fully subsidised wound care products for Australians with diabetes aged 65+ (50+ for First Nations people), saving patients around $4,000 annually.
The scheme helps 20,000 Australians access free wound care products delivered to their homes, with healthcare professionals enrolling patients through an online portal.
Whilst we celebrate this important first step, the scheme must be expanded to cover all Australians living with chronic wounds, regardless of age or underlying condition.
We will continue advocating for expanded access to ensure no Australian suffers needlessly due to cost barriers in wound care.
Read our research report: https://www.ama.com.au/solutions-to-the-chronic-wound-problem-in-australia
