Funding extensions from ACC
ACC has recently been communicating about the ways in which they are supporting clients through the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle and the other adverse weather events experienced. The period of time ACC was covering was 19 February through until 19 March 2023. This has now been extended.
What happens after 19 March 2023
ACC will continue to cover the cost of co-payments for those who are not able to be in their normal place of residence from the Hawke’s Bay, Northland or Tairāwhiti regions due to the cyclone and other recent adverse weather events. This cover is for all ACC injury-related health care support, both in person and via telehealth, for general practice and urgent care clinic visits until 10 April 2023.
What this means for you
In addition to existing payments made through our Rural General Practice and Urgent Care Clinic contracts and GP Cost of Treatment Regulations, where a practice elects to waive the usual copayment, ACC will pay an additional $57.50 incl. GST ($50 excl. GST) for each visit. Please continue to invoice using code GENE for the additional payment. Where the co-payment fee is waived:
• ACC will pay general practice and urgent care clinics the actual co-payment up to a maximum of $50 (excl. GST) for each visit
• you will need to invoice ACC using code GENE for the patient co-payment, in addition to your usual ACC consult code.
Where patients have already been charged a co-payment, they can seek reimbursement from ACC via MyACC (if they are registered to use MyACC) or by contacting 0800 101 996 for assistance.
For those experiencing significant financial hardship
If a patient is experiencing significant financial hardship as a result of the cyclone, and indicates they are not able to pay the co-payment, they will need to contact ACC directly on 0800 101 996 to access the support.
Questions?
If you have questions or would like to discuss this, please email primarycare@acc.co.nz or call 0800 222 070.