Government announces changes to Funded Family Care

In September 2018, the Government announced plans to change health service Funded Family Care, including the intention to repeal Part 4A of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000.

Funded Family Care, introduced in October 2013, allows payment of people to care for resident family members assessed as having high or very high needs relating to disability, long term chronic health conditions, mental health and addiction and aged care needs. Funded Family Care policies are administered by the Ministry of Health (Disability Support Services) and District Health Boards.

Funded Family Care allows payment of people to care for resident family members assessed as having high or very high needs relating to disability, long term chronic health conditions, mental health and addiction and aged care needs. Funded Family Care policies are administered by the Ministry of Health (Disability Support Services) and District Health Boards. Part 4A of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 provides that the Ministry of Health and District Health Boards have family care policies allowing persons to be paid for providing health and/or disability services to family members. It also limits the ability for complaints to be made to the Human Rights Commission and the Courts regarding breaches of the Human Rights Act 1993 relating to family care policies.

Since the Government’s September announcement of change to Funded Family Care, there has been intensive targeted stakeholder engagement with and independent facilitator. Engagement included meetings and an online survey. The survey attracted over 900 responses.

The engagement information is now being analysed and will help to inform Ministers on improved ways of supporting family carers who might want, need or get Funded Family Care now and/or in the future.

Full report of targeted stakeholder analysis available at www.moh.govt.nz.