Understanding Care Plans: What They Are and How They Can Help You Access Medicare-Funded Physio
Living with a chronic health condition can make everyday tasks harder than they need to be. Whether it's joint pain, fatigue, reduced mobility, or something else entirely — getting the right support early can make a huge difference to your quality of life. What many people don’t realise is that Medicare may be able to help cover the cost of physiotherapy through something called a Care Plan. We are going to break down what care plans are, who qualifies, and how you can access physiotherapy through Melbourne Mobile Physio under this system.
What is a Care Plan?
A Care Plan refers to what Medicare officially calls a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan. You might have also heard the term EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) — this was the previous name, but it refers to the same thing.
If you have a long-term (chronic) health condition, your GP may be able to put together a Care Plan for you. This plan allows you to access up to 5 Medicare-subsidised allied health appointments per calendar year, which can include physiotherapy.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a care plan, you must have a chronic or complex medical condition that has lasted — or is expected to last — 6 months or more. Common eligible conditions include:
Arthritis
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Chronic back or neck pain
Heart disease
Stroke recovery
COPD or chronic asthma
Parkinson’s disease or MS
Your GP will assess your individual health situation and decide if a care plan is right for you.
How Does it Work?
Accessing physiotherapy under a care plan is simple:
Speak to your GP — ask about your eligibility and whether physio could support your condition.
If appropriate, your GP will create the care plan and refer you to our team.
We’ll contact you to arrange an in-home physio appointment that fits your schedule.
Throughout your care, we’ll keep your GP in the loop with updates to ensure your treatment is on track.
What Will it Cost?
Under Medicare, part of the cost of each physiotherapy session is covered. There is usually a small gap payment (out-of-pocket cost), which varies depending on the provider.
At Melbourne Mobile Physio, we offer discounted rates for clients who hold any of the following:
Pensioner Concession Card
Health Care Card
Low Income Health Care Card
We believe physiotherapy should be accessible to everyone — so let us know if you hold one of these cards when you book.
Final Thoughts
If you or someone you love is managing a chronic health condition, it’s worth having a conversation with your GP about a Chronic Disease Management Plan. Accessing physiotherapy through Medicare can be a helpful step toward improving your mobility, reducing pain, and maintaining independence — all without the financial strain. These plans exist to make allied health support more accessible, and knowing your options can make a big difference in your care journey.
Want to Know More?
Whether you’ve already got a referral or you’re just beginning to explore your options, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you understand how Medicare-funded physio might work for you.