Medicare have announced that available sessions under a Mental Health Care Plan have now doubled, from 10 per calendar year to 20. This change comes for all individuals eligible for a Mental Health Care Plan. I welcome this initiative at this time of year when many of my clients often run out of sessions on their initial plan.

Previously 10 sessions was the maximum amount an individual could utilise to access the Medicare rebate for, in a single calendar year. With the new increase in sessions, individuals can now return to their doctor after the 10th session to be referred for an additional 10 sessions, enabling individuals to access the Medicare rebate for up to 20 sessions per calendar year under a Mental Health Care Plan.

This increase in available sessions will remain in place until at least 2022.