12 months after the Government gave operators just two weeks’ notice of an increase in the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC), providers are once again left on tenterhooks.
In December 2023, then-Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells promised future AN-ACC pricing would be released in August each year – giving operators more certainty in planning their budgets.
But in 2024, the new rate was only revealed on 17 September – leaving providers with little time to factor the changes into financial forecasts.
This year is shaping up no differently. Bolton Clarke’s Executive General Manager Policy and Advocacy, Tim Hicks, has launched a LinkedIn poll asking operators where they think the new AN-ACC price will land.
Noting that the figure must consider regulatory indexation, the superannuation guarantee increase and additional work value case funding, Tim offered options ranging from $282.44 (less than 4% growth) to $299.39 or more (6%-plus growth).
“We’ve been calling for an improved approach to timing from the Department and Government, following the challenges of the previous year. This included our proposal to release non-wage related AN-ACC pricing by May annually, with additional IHACPA pricing advice sought on wages/indexation following the Annual Wage Review decision,” Ageing Australia's General Manager - Policy & Advocacy, Roald Versteeg, said.
