Subsidies for aids and equipment at home

The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) provides funding for medical aids and equipment to eligible Queensland residents who have a permanent and stabilised condition or a disability. The scheme helps people to live at home and avoid early or inappropriate residential care or hospitalisation.

Aids and equipment are subsidy funded on a permanent loan basis, through private ownership or the purchase of consumables. If you pay for more than 50% of the cost for an item, you can choose to take ownership, rather than having a permanent loan. However, this means that you are responsible for all repairs to that item.

Types of aids and equipment

Some medical aids and equipment are also known as assistive technology and include:

• communication aids
• continence aids
• daily living and mobility aids
• home oxygen
• medical grade footwear
• orthoses
• spectacles
• artificial limbs

These help people to improve their functioning, maintain their independence and community participation, and enhance quality of life.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for assistance under MASS if you:

• are a permanent resident of Queensland
• have a permanent or stable condition or disability
• hold a pensioner concession card, health care card or Queensland Government Seniors Card
• meet the clinical criteria for each aid.

To find out if you are eligible, contact MASS or talk to your health professional. You can also read the application guidelines and forms for each scheme for more details.

Find out about the types of aids and equipment available.

Palliative Care

Palliative care eligible persons should contact their local Hospital and Health Service - Palliative Care Service regarding assistance with medical aids and equipment.

How to apply

You will need to be assessed by a clinician approved by MASS.  They will help you complete an application form and forward it to MASS for approval. The type of clinician you need to see depends on the aid you need.

Read the eligibility section for each type of aid and equipment to find out more.

Contacts

Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS)

Email: MASS184@health.qld.gov.au

Phone: (07) 3136 3636 or 1300 443 570 (toll free)

For a full list of MASS service areas and contact details, visit health.qld.gov.au/mass/contact

Service centres

Brisbane

Address: 41 Southgate Avenue, Cannon Hill, QLD 4170

Post: PO Box 281 Cannon Hill QLD 4170

Townsville

Address: 190 Palmerston Street, Vincent, QLD 4814

Post: PO Box 1494, Townsville QLD 4810