Medical aids and equipment (TasEquip)

Medical aids and equipment (TasEquip) is a state-wide equipment scheme providing a range of assistive technology to eligible Tasmanians to improve their ability to safely engage in basic, everyday tasks, to transition home from acute care, or to access mandated education settings. The aim is to loan safe, reliable equipment to those who need it most.

Eligibility

You are eligible for TasEquip assistance if you meet all the following criteria:

• • live in Tasmania (for at least 3 months)
  • hold a Services Australia Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
  • live in the community and not in residential aged care.
  • are ineligible for a Home Care Package level 3 or 4, workers compensation, MAIB, DVA or NDIS.

TasEquip is designed to support people who do not have alternative funding sources.

Support Provided

TasEquip loans basic health equipment to eligible clients, supporting them to do basic everyday tasks in their home. TasEquip will re-loan equipment so not all items will be new when loaned to you.

Eligible clients are also required to pay the following fees for equipment:

• • loan fee: $50 for one or more items for any period up to a year
  • repair fee: a one off $50 a year towards any new replacement part
  • replacement cost: for wheelchair batteries, tyres, and tubes when they need replacing

How to Apply

You must be approved by an authorised prescriber before equipment is loaned to you by TasEquip. 

Authorised prescribers include Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Pathologists and Nurses who have completed the required additional training. This assessment can occur in hospitals, health centres or in your home.

You can arrange for an assessment by contacting your current treating health professional, your GP, your local hospital, or community health centre.