Tasmanian Lymphoedema Compression Garment Assistance

What Is This Payment?

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition where fluid builds up and causes swelling, often in the arms or legs. Compression garments are a core part of managing it, but they are specialised, need regular replacement, and can be expensive.

This program provides financial assistance with compression garments for eligible Tasmanian card holders, delivered through the Department of Health's physiotherapy or occupational therapy services. The listing draws on the Tasmanian Government Concessions and Discounts Guide.

The rule database tags it as a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. The help is towards the cost of garments rather than a set cash amount, so it is described qualitatively.

How Much Can You Get?

The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none. There is no direct cash payment; the value is financial assistance towards the cost of compression garments to manage lymphoedema.

• Financial help with compression garments for eligible card holders.
• Accessed through Department of Health physiotherapy or occupational therapy services.
• Requires a referral from a GP or specialist.

Eligibility Conditions

The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.

1. Tasmanian resident: state = TAS. The assistance is delivered by Department of Health Tasmania.
2. Eligible concession card: concession_card_type must be in [pensioner_concession_card, health_care_card, dva_gold_card] - a Services Australia Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card, or a DVA Veteran (Gold) Card.

Because the program is for people who need compression garments to manage lymphoedema, a GP or specialist referral is required to confirm the clinical need.

The garments are managed through physiotherapy or occupational therapy services, so your referral leads into an assessment of the garments you need.

How To Apply

The channel is referral. The evidence required is your concession card and a GP or specialist referral.

• See your GP or specialist and ask for a referral for compression garment assistance.
• Take your concession card and referral to the Department of Health physiotherapy or occupational therapy service.
• Be assessed for the compression garments you need to manage your lymphoedema.

Read the official TAS Lymphoedema Compression Garment Assistance guidance

Rule-Based Scenarios

Scenario 1: a pensioner managing arm lymphoedema after cancer

Wendy developed lymphoedema in her arm after breast cancer treatment and holds a Pensioner Concession Card. With a specialist referral she accesses financial help with her compression sleeves through the health service.

Scenario 2: a Health Care Card holder needing leg garments

Tony holds a Health Care Card and needs compression stockings for leg lymphoedema. His GP refers him and the cost of the garments is assisted through occupational therapy.

Scenario 3: a veteran with a DVA Gold Card

Margaret holds a DVA Gold Card and gets help with replacement compression garments through the program after a referral.

Scenario 4: no referral yet

Paul holds a Health Care Card but has not seen his GP about a referral, so he books an appointment first since the program requires a referral.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the referral: the program requires a GP or specialist referral, so see your doctor first.
• Assuming it is a cash payment: the benefit is financial help towards garments, not money paid to you.
• Forgetting your concession card: you need an eligible card to access the assistance.
• Thinking any garment retailer is covered: the garments are managed through Department of Health physiotherapy or occupational therapy services.
• Expecting a Low Income Health Care Card to count: this program lists the Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card and DVA Gold Card.
• Delaying replacement garments: compression garments wear out, so seek help in time to keep your lymphoedema managed.

Related Benefits

• TAS Hospital Concessional Parking - reduced and free hospital parking.
• TAS Public Dental - subsidised dental care for card holders.
• TAS Patient Travel Assistance Scheme - help with travel for medical treatment.
• TAS TasEquip - subsidised equipment and aids for daily living.
• Health Care Card - a federal card that unlocks this assistance.
• External Breast Prostheses - federal reimbursement after breast surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions