Gems

Hi Everyone,

Daughter and I got flown to Perth, and spent Christmas at Perth PMH kids hospital. Two days before Christmas my 6 year old daughter developed Type 1diabetes.

Anyway they have gave me number and told me to apply for a health care card to get the diabetes supplies cheaper. But Im not sure if Im eligible yet.

Also told me to claim carers allowance, however Im assuming Im not able to get this just yet.

I came on Temp visa in 2007, got PR in Nov 2009.
Am I able to get the health card for the diabetes?
When will I be eligible for carer allowance is it Nov 2011? Or when I get Citizenship around July?

Hoping someone can give me the info as my head is swimming and Im exhausted at the moment.

Thanks

Gems

Wendy

Looks like you can claim carer's allowance for a child under 10 with Type 1 diabetes (right at the bottom of this list: http://www.facs.gov.au/sa/carers/pay...abilities.aspx)

Here's the link to the page you need on centrelinks site: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne...llow_child.htm

Residence requirements only say:
To qualify for Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years), you and the child you care for must be living in Australia permanently as:

an Australian citizen, or
the holder of a permanent resident visa, or
a New Zealand citizen who was in Australia on 26 February 2001, or for 12 months in the 2 years immediately before that date, or was assessed as "protected" before 26 February 2004.

It doesn't say you have to have been here 2 years? so perhaps it's the same as FTB where you are eligible immediately?
I think you should call them and ask, that way you'll know for sure.

To be eligible for a health care card, you need to be entitled to one of these listed on the centrelink site:

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne...c.htm#eligible

jad n rich

Also have a look at the www.diabetesaustralia.com.au , should give info on more help available.

Friends of mine who are in Canada, their daughter was diagnosed with type one diabetes, they were in a awful state of shock at first, she was quite ill and had got down to 38 kilo at aged 13 before it was diagnosed. Anyway she is now the poster girl for a insulin pump in Canada, has been and climbed some mountain in Peru, won many showjumping medals, her life with the insulin pump is basically as good as any teenage girl, just as moody and stroppy too they reckon.

moneypenny20

Doesn't matter how ill they are, that doesn't change.

Gems, hope she gets sorted asap.

Gems

Thanks for the info, I knew you would be able to point me in the right direction. Still in shock to be honest so any help is appreciated.

Thanks again,

Gems

Wendy

You are bound to be!!

Just take it all one step at a time. Sending hugs your way

Dreamy

Either your doctor or your diabetes clinic will give you a form to fill in for the NDSS card so you get the subsidised meds. Your health care practitioner will need to confirm the diagnosis on the form, but its pretty much a rubber stamp action. It took a while for my card to come through but I'm type 2 so its really only the test strips for my blood glucose machine which are cheaper for me, I'm not on insulin or anything like that. They did say at the clinic that you can ring the NDSS a few days after you've sent off the form and they'll give you a reference number so that you can get the stuff cheaper sooner.

Here in NSW, once I was diagnosed (and only just PR too!) my doctor put me on a diabetes care management plan and they also arranged for the local diabetes clinic to get in touch with me - mine was at the local hospital. This was incredibly invaluable for information on how to manage and deal with my diabetes - although my group sessions were aimed at Type 2s they also had separate sessions for Type 1s with lots and lots of support.

I think JadnRich already gave you the link to diabetes Australia - there's lots of information there and a link to the NDSS too - you must all be in shock at the moment but being diagnosed with diabetes, even Type 1, doesn't mean that your daughter can't lead an extremely healthy life (probably healthier than the general population because she'll be very aware of her exercise levels and food intake!)

elice_in_oz

My thoughts are with you, it's hard to find out your little one has a health issue
To echo what others have said, you don't need to wait to be eligible for a healthcare card or carer's allowance. PR holders have the same entitlements as citizens re these benefits. I have a healthcare card for my son that I got about 2 months after getting PR. As long as the GP fills out the forms, you should be able to get one. Definitely get in touch with diabetes Australia, they have great info on their website and in their magazine. Good luck

Gems

Thanks Dreamy for the tip about ringing to get the NDSS reference number.
I have done the signed form and gave it to a Perth Chemist as needed needles and other stuff for her insulin so we could go home to Geraldton.
But NDSS was not open as it was Christmas so spent just over $100 on supplies.
So I was wondering how I would get my next batch cheaper. So will give them a ring.

PMH in Perth was marvellous and gave us lots of education and info. We also have to go back end of the month for sessions. Thankfully they do a regular month clinic in Geraldton so that will make things easier.

Elice-in-oz thanks for letting me know you got your card. As Im going through a ton of supplies as its early days and have to test even in the middle of the night.

Thanks again for everyones info.

Gems

jensteve

There are a load of pharmacies which will take the card once it arrives. Some open extended hours. When the card arrives in the post there is a list of stores in a booklet.

Jenny

HelenTD

Good luck, Gems, a steep learning curve for you all. Perhaps you will be able to find other families in Geraldton in the same situation.

jad n rich

I see you are looking at a bit of travel for appointments in perth. So also find out about the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.

I travel often from SC to brisbane dental hosp for appointments for son, and it was only through a job I had I found out about the PTSS. It helps with the cost of transport and accomodation. The rebates are stupidly low, $30 for a nights accom after 4 nights, $30 for a trip to brisbane that costs $30 in parking alone but if your going on a regular basis its something.

I never used to bother claiming it, there is a fair bit of paperwork, but when petrol went up to 1.65 a few years back I though bugger it I will. While at the hospital I have spoke to families who have travelled up to 17 hours to see that particular specialist, i assume they get more than $30.

HelenTD

Good point. In WA it's called the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) http://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.a...documentid=878

Famous 5

Hi Gems

I have no further advice to offer as previous posters have really covered it, but I justed wanted to offer some virtual support - my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 5 (coming up to 10 years ago) and I still remember what a dreadful shock it was. Now it is just part of the routine, but it takes time to come to terms with it and it is always a consideration.

Best of luck with everything and if you want to pm me at any time, please feel free.

F5