Enteral feeds and supplements

Tube feeds and oral nutrition supplements are supplied at subsidised cost to people:

• with serious medical conditions that affect their ability to meet nutritional requirements with normal food and drink and
• who are assessed by a Dietitian as requiring nutritional support.

The subsidised costs are based on estimates from the Household Expenditure Survey for food. The costs are adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index. The Program does not supply nutritional products that are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme General Schedule.

A further reduction in the subsidised cost is available if you have a:

• DHS Health Care Card
• DHS or DVA Pensioner Concession Card (if ineligible to access products via DVA).

The subsidised supplements are NOT available to individuals who are:

• eligible for compensation from MAIB, Workers’ Compensation or any Common Law compensation
• receiving financial assistance from any other government-funded program or where a compensation payment has been made that includes future nutritional support
• in residential facilities or hospitals that are required to provide nutrition to meet their residents’ needs.

There is also a process to apply for a further reduction in fees based on significant financial hardship.

For more information:

Department of Health
Phone:
Royal Hobart Hospital: 6166 8145
Launceston General Hospital:  6777 6477
North-West Regional Hospital: 6493 6467