From 1 November 2025, Australia’s aged care system is set to evolve with the introduction of the Support at Home program, replacing the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) scheme. This transition will bring changes to how aged care services are priced and delivered. If you’re a trustee managing someone’s financial affairs or caring for an ageing family member, it’s essential to stay on top of what’s changing.
In this article, we unpack the support at home pricing changes, what they mean for you, and how to prepare.
Why Is the Support at Home Program Being Introduced?
The government’s goal is to simplify in-home aged care while ensuring fairer access and more transparent pricing. Under the current Home Care Packages system, service pricing has been criticised for being inconsistent and difficult to understand, with various admin fees and hidden charges.
The Support at Home program is designed to replace that system with a more standardised, clearer structure, where the price of services better reflects the full cost of delivery. This includes not only the direct service, but also admin costs like scheduling and transport.
How Will Support at Home Pricing Work?
Under the new model, each service will have a bundled price, that is, it will reflect the full cost of delivering that service. This is a big change from the current setup, where admin costs and service fees are listed separately.
For example, instead of seeing:
- Personal care: $50/hour
- Admin: 20%
You’ll now see something like:
- Personal care (inc. admin): $60/hour
This bundled approach is intended to improve clarity and reduce fee layering. However, the shift could result in some services appearing more expensive, even if the total cost hasn’t increased. Or, it may highlight cases where a provider’s admin fees were previously high and now included in the base rate.
What’s Changing in 2025 and 2026?
From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program takes effect. For the first eight months, providers will continue to set their own prices, similar to how things currently operate. This gives time for both providers and recipients to adapt.
However, from 1 July 2026, government price caps will be introduced. These caps are intended to prevent overcharging and improve price consistency across the country. This means that while there may be short-term pricing variations during the transition, more predictable pricing is on the horizon.
Will Home Care Costs Increase?
That depends on your provider. Because each service will now reflect the full cost including admin, some prices may rise, especially if your provider previously charged low base fees but high management costs. On the other hand, clients whose providers have already priced services fairly and transparently may notice minimal changes.
You’ll receive a new service agreement before the changeover. It’s crucial to read it thoroughly and ask your provider how their prices compare with others in the market.
How to Compare Providers and Prices
To help clients navigate these pricing shifts, the government has released indicative pricing summaries based on market averages. You’ll also be able to use the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website to compare standard prices from multiple providers.
These resources allow you to:
- Benchmark your current provider’s rates
- Explore alternatives if your provider’s pricing appears too high
- Make informed decisions about switching providers, if necessary
What Should You Do Before 1 November 2025?
Preparation is key. Here’s what you should do in the lead-up to the Support at Home rollout:
- Review your current care plan and agreement
Understand your current fees, services, and what’s included. - Talk to your provider
Ask them how they plan to price services under the new system and request a draft of your updated agreement. - Compare providers
Use the My Aged Care tools to see how your provider stacks up in terms of pricing and services. - Get advice if needed
Trustees and family members should work closely with a financial advisor to ensure decisions are in the best interest of the care recipient.
Government Protections to Keep Pricing Fair
The introduction of price caps in July 2026 is just one way the government is protecting aged care consumers. Other protections include:
- Mandatory publication of prices
Providers must publish their service prices on their website and on the My Aged Care portal. - Transparent pricing structure
Each service must have a clear and all-inclusive price listed. - Market comparisons
Clients can view how their provider compares with others, helping them decide whether to stay or switch.
These measures aim to reduce confusion, discourage excessive charging, and support informed choices.
What Happens Post-July 2026?
After price caps come into play, expect to see:
- Greater pricing consistency
- Simplified cost comparisons
- Reduced financial stress for families
This will mark a major step forward in aged care transparency. It’s particularly useful for trustees who are legally responsible for managing financial arrangements on behalf of care recipients. Budgeting and forecasting aged care costs will become more straightforward and fair.
Don’t Navigate These Changes Alone
Managing aged care finances isn’t simple, especially when reform is underway. If you’re unsure how these pricing changes might affect you or someone you support, expert guidance can make a big difference.
At Paris Financial, we specialise in supporting trustees, families, and aged care recipients through periods of regulatory and financial change. We can help you:
- Review provider agreements
- Benchmark service costs
- Plan for future aged care expenses
- Comply with trustee obligations
Support at Home Pricing Changes: Get Expert Advice
Understanding the impact of support at home pricing changes is crucial for anyone involved in aged care financial decisions. Whether you’re a trustee or a concerned family member, staying ahead of these changes ensures better outcome both financially and in care quality.
Need help reviewing your care agreements or planning aged care expenses?
Contact the team at Paris Financial. We’re here to help you navigate support at home pricing changes with confidence.
