The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) provides funding for medical aids and equipment to eligible Queensland residents who have a permanent and stabilised condition or a disability. The scheme helps people to live at home and avoid early or inappropriate residential care or hospitalisation.

Aids and equipment are subsidy funded on a permanent loan basis, through private ownership or the supply of consumables. If you pay for more than 50% of the cost for an item, you can choose to take ownership, rather than having a permanent loan. However, this means that you are responsible for all repairs to that item.

Types of aids and equipment

Prescribers should also refer to the relevant application guidelines and forms for each type of aid/equipment:

• communication aids
• continence aids
• daily living aids and mobility aids
• home oxygen
• medical grade footwear
• orthoses
• spectacles

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by both administrative and clinical criteria.

Administrative eligibility

Administrative eligibility is dependent upon the following:

• The applicant is a permanent Queensland resident;
• The applicant must hold one of the following eligibility cards - in the name of the applicant:
  • Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card;
  • Centrelink Health Care Card;
  • Centrelink Confirmation Concession Card Entitlement Form (conditions apply)
  • Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) pensioner Concession Card (conditions apply);
  • Queensland Government Seniors Card.

Applicants need to provide a copy of both sides of the eligibility card or signed consent to access Centrelink information on the MASS 84 Proxy Access to Centrelink Information Form. The MASS 84 form includes information for the client about its purpose and scope.

Clinical eligibility 

• Clinical eligibility will be determined by the MASS Clinical Advisor based on information provided by the prescriber;
• The applicant has a permanent and stabilised condition or disability which impairs their ability to function independently in their home environment;
• Clinical justification is documented by the prescribing health professional from a functional and clinical perspective, with regard to the applicant’s prognosis, and the expected benefit to the applicant from the prescribed Assistive technology; 
• The applicant or carer can appropriately store and maintain the prescribed assistive technology.

• Phone: (07) 3136 3636
• Email: mass184@health.qld.gov.au