As Australians, we value the ability to live independently in our own homes, especially as we age or face health challenges. 

But what happens when staying at home requires extra support? 

Enter the Support at Home Program, a vital bridge between residential aged care and independent living which will launch on July 1. 

This is set to transform in-home aged care, making it easier for older people to live comfortably in their own homes. 

But with these changes come questions about costs, funding and how insurance can help. 

Let’s explore what the Support at Home Program is, how insurance fits into the picture and why it’s worth considering for individuals, families and businesses. 

Whether you’re a senior looking to stay in your home, a family member supporting a loved one or a business involved in care services, this guide is for you.

Understanding the Support at Home Program

The Support at Home program is a major reform to Australia’s aged care system, designed to help older Australians stay in their homes for longer. 

It replaces the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs from July 2025, with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) transitioning by July 2027. 

The program responds to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s aim of making aged care more flexible, equitable and accessible.

Here’s what makes the Support at Home program stand out:

• Tailored Funding: Offers eight levels of support, with budgets ranging from $11,000 to $78,000 annually, based on individual needs.
  
  
• Focus on Independence: Prioritises early interventions like allied health, assistive technology and home modifications to keep people healthy and active.
  
  
• Simplified Assessments: Uses a Single Assessment System to streamline eligibility and create personalised support plans.
  
  
• Flexible Services: Includes everything from nursing and personal care to everyday tasks, such as gardening, with a $130,000 lifetime cap on non-clinical care contributions.

By 2035, an estimated 1.4 million Australians will benefit from this program, reflecting the growing preference for ageing in place over moving to residential care.

Why Does This Matter for Australians?

Most older Australians want to stay connected to their communities and maintain their independence. 

Research from the University of Sydney shows that staying at home can improve quality of life and reduce government costs compared to residential care. 

However, home care can come with financial and practical challenges. 

The Support at Home program addresses these by offering more funding flexibility and a ‘no worse off’ principle, ensuring current HCP recipients won’t pay more than they do now. 

But what happens if unexpected costs arise, or if you need extra support? This is where insurance can help bridge the gap.

How Insurance Fits into the Support at Home Program

Planning for aged care can involve more than just government funding. 

While the Support at Home program covers essentials, including nursing and assistive technology, there are still costs that can catch you off guard. 

Getting the right insurance can help fill these gaps, ensuring you’re prepared for both home and residential care scenarios.

Here’s how insurance can support you:

1. Income Protection: If you’re a carer supporting a loved one at home, these policies can replace lost income if you’re unable to work due to injury or illness.
   
   This is crucial, as unpaid carers often face financial strain.
   
   Also, carers with high care burdens can be at risk of poor physical and mental health without adequate support.

2. Home and Contents Insurance: Protects your home and belongings, which is important if you’re investing in modifications, such as ramps or grab rails, under the Support at Home program.
   
   In addition, this also covers risks like fire or theft, giving you peace of mind as you age in place.

How About Aged Care Facilities?

The Support at Home program aims to help older Australians stay in their homes longer.

However, for those who choose or need aged care facilities, the transition brings unique considerations or risks which can range from property damage to liability issues.

That’s why finding policies that align with these needs can be crucial, especially in ensuring peace of mind for all involved.

Here’s how insurance supports aged care facilities:

1. Public Liability Insurance: Covers claims for injuries or damages to residents, visitors or staff within the facility.
   
   This is essential for facilities accommodating residents transitioning from the Support at Home program, as mobility issues or complex care needs can increase risks.
   
   
2. Commercial Property Insurance: Protects the facility’s buildings, equipment and furnishings against perils like fire, storm or vandalism.
   
   This ensures facilities can quickly recover from damage, minimising disruptions to resident care.
   
   
3. Contents Insurance: Covers costly assets, be it medical equipment or accessibility features, which may be upgraded to align with the Support at Home program’s focus on assistive technology.
   
   
4. Professional Indemnity Insurance: Provides coverage to facilities and staff from claims related to professional errors, such as medication mistakes or inadequate care plans.
   
   This is critical as the Support at Home program’s Single Assessment System integrates care plans across home and residential settings, requiring consistent standards.
   
   Also, this helps facilities maintain compliance with regulations from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
   
   
5. Business Interruption Insurance: Compensates for lost income if a facility must close temporarily due to events like floods or health outbreaks.
   
   In addition, this supports continuity of care, especially for residents transitioning from home care who rely on stable facility services.

Bridging Residential and Home Care

The Support at Home program is designed to delay or prevent the need for residential care, but some people may still transition to or choose aged care homes. 

The program’s $130,000 lifetime cap on non-clinical care contributions applies to both home and residential care, ensuring fairness. 

For those already in HCP or on the National Priority System, transitional arrangements mean you’ll keep your current contribution levels when moving to Support at Home or residential care.

How Can an Insurance Broker Be of Help?

Working through aged care and insurance options can be confusing at times. 

As an insurance broker, we’re here to simplify the process. 

We can assist you in comparing policies from multiple providers to find the best fit for your needs, whether you’re planning for home care, preparing for potential residential care or supporting a loved one. 

Here’s why we can help:

• Personalised Advice: We can assess your situation, including your Support at Home funding level and care needs, to recommend suitable insurance.
  
  
• Access to Multiple Providers: We can lend you a hand in looking for competitive policies, saving you time and money.
  
  
• Ongoing Support: We can review your coverage as your needs change, ensuring you’re always prepared.

Key Considerations for 2025

With the Support at Home program starting soon, now’s the time to review your insurance. 

Here are some tips you can try:

• Check Your Coverage: Ensure it includes allied health services that align with the program’s focus on independence.
  
  
• Review Contribution Limits: If you’re eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you may pay lower contributions, which can affect your insurance needs.
  
  
• Plan for Carers: If you’re a carer, consider income protection to stay financially secure while providing support.
  
  
• Stay Informed: The government is still finalising some details, such as price caps which will apply starting July 2026. Keep in touch with your broker for updates.

Taking the Next Step: Insurance for Aged Care Success

The Support at Home program can be a step forward for older Australians, offering more choice and flexibility to age in place. 

However, government funding alone might not cover every need. 

By working with us at Tank Insurance, we can help you find policies that complement the program, bridging the gap between home and residential care. 

Whether it’s protecting your income or planning for the future, our team is here to help you stay confident and secure.

Get in touch with us and explore your insurance options now.