March 28, 2024
Healthcare travel subsidy boosted
Whānau needing to travel for specialist health treatment are set to get an increase in pūtea tautoko.
Health Minister Shane Reti says the Budget will include an $18 million boost to the National Travel Assistance scheme, which currently costs Health NZ Te WHatu Ora about $35 million a year.
He says the increase is overdue, as mileage and accommodation rates have remained static since 2009.
“We know the NTA provides critical financial assistance for those who need to travel for treatments like cancer, renal dialysis, diagnostics and other complex care that can’t be provided locally. This boost allows for increased mielage and accommodation rates, easier pre-payment and claiming options. We expect around 4500 extra New Zealanders will benefit from this boost,” Dr Reti says.
It’s expected that mileage rates would rise from 28 cents to 34 cents a kilometre and nightly accommodation rates from $100 to $140 a night.
Those staying with friends or whānau would get a bump from $25 to $35 a night and there would also be more flexible payment options, including pre-payment and the ability to do more online.
Reti said new payment options would be piloted and phased in.