You may have heard that the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) will become the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) 1 July 2010, but what does that mean for you?

The new CAPS will replace the CAAS and will be managed by Medicare Australia, the funds will be paid directly into your bank account for you to use when searching for and purchasing your continence products.

The CAAS has been managed by Intouch, the commercial arm of the Spinal Injuries Association, for 17 years. During that time the CAAS has expanded significantly; Intouch as the sole provider now services almost 70 000 CAAS customers Australia wide.

Intouch CEO, Carmen Riley, said the recent rapid expansion of the CAAS was well managed by Intouch which aims to make the upcoming transition to the CAPS as smooth as possible for current CAAS customers.

“The CAAS expanded on 1 July 2007 and Intouch planned and managed that change extremely well; more than 87% of CAAS clients surveyed gave Intouch the highest rating on timeliness of deliveries, helpfulness of staff, convenience to contact and convenience to order .

“Intouch is already planning and working towards a smooth transition for current CAAS customers to the new CAPS.

“The change means customers will need to source and purchase products themselves which can be a daunting task,” Carmen said.

Intouch has been servicing over 90 000 customers Australia wide for over 25 years and the direct to door delivery of healthcare and wellness products, including specialist continence products, aids for independent living and wound care, has been a focus beyond the CAAS through Intouch Direct.

“As the commercial arm of the Spinal Injuries Association, we realise people in the community have different needs; Intouch Direct is popular because it is discreet, convenient and reliable; whether you are eligible for government funding or not you can access a wide range of quality products at very competitive prices.

“Feedback from our customers shows that some people need products that are not available in supermarkets or pharmacies, some need their products delivered to their door because they face mobility issues or can’t access appropriate product in their local area, and some want the discretion of being able to shop online or over the phone,” Carmen said.

From 1 July 2010 people eligible for the CAPS will have the option to source their continence products from alternative providers. If you like the convenience of direct to door delivery and accessing a wide range of products at an affordable price, contact us to set up an Intouch Direct account.

If you have any questions you can contact the Intouch CAAS Helpline on 1300 366 455, view our CAPS FAQs or visit the Department of Health and Ageing website.

View the Continence Aids Payment Scheme Fact Sheet...

If you would like to know more about Intouch Direct products and direct to door delivery call 1300 134 260.

ENDS

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