What is National Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Dressing Scheme?

Background

In the 2009 – 2010 Budget, the Australian Government committed $16.4m over four years to establish the National EB Dressing Scheme. The scheme supports people with EB who are most in need by improving access to appropriate dressings and bandages which can be costly. Dressings help reduce infection, complications and unnecessary hospitalisation.

Who runs the scheme?

The National EB Dressing Scheme is funded by the Australian Government and administered by Independence Australia. A Clinical Advisory Committee provides advice on the operation of the scheme, eligibility criteria and the dressings to be subsidised under the scheme.

How does the scheme work?

Access to the National EB Dressing Scheme is available to applicants who meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria are based on the severity of the condition and the clinical requirements for specific dressings and have been developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care in conjunction with clinical EB experts.

Under the scheme, a monthly supply of approved dressings is delivered to eligible recipients’ homes. Recipients are required to contribute to the cost of their monthly supply of dressings. This contribution is equivalent to one Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment and the Australian Government meets the remaining costs. The monthly Standard Order is initially prescribed by the recipient’s Treating Healthcare Professional and may be varied from time to time by Treating Healthcare Professionals to meet changing wound care needs (conditions apply).

What dressings can recipients access?

An extensive list of dressings has been approved for subsidised supply to eligible applicants under the National EB Dressing Scheme. Click here to find out more about the products on this list. Recipients can order dressings up to the amount of their Standard Order prescribed by their Treating Healthcare Professional.