Central Victorian patients are waiting many weeks to be reimbursed for vital transport under the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has urged the Minister for Health to restore timely, respectful service to the people who depend on the scheme.
“VPTAS provides financial assistance to eligible Victorians who must travel a long way for specialist medical treatment. They must live in a designated rural area and travel 100km one way, or 500km per week to see a medical specialist,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad told Parliament many patients from northern Victoria need to travel long distances to access life-saving medical care, such as that provided at the Peter MacCallum Centre, but they are facing long delays for reimbursement.
“One local submitted a claim on April 4 following travel costs to and from Bendigo to Peter Mac. After a lengthy delay with no response, he contacted VPTAS.
“After seven weeks they could not tell him if they had received his claim; when he would be advised; when any reimbursement may be forthcoming; and that it may take weeks or months.”
Ms Broad told Parliament this was not an isolated case.
“Their website used to promise processing times within six to eight weeks, yet many rural patients are waiting for longer, with no communication.”
Ms Broad said the website had recently been updated and now states: “We are currently experiencing longer than normal processing times. We apologise for any inconvenience.”
“I ask the minister: what immediate steps will you take to restore timely, respectful service to those who depend on this scheme?” Ms Broad said.
“These extended delays are upsetting to people who rely on the scheme to help with transport costs when they are very unwell. It adds an extra layer of unnecessary stress to people when they least need it.
“Once again it appears regional Victorians are disadvantaged as the Allan Labor Government juggles its cash flow problems.
“Labor cannot manage money, and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
