NATIONAL UPDATE
MAXIMISING YOUR INCOME STREAM HOW LASA’S CLAIMS & BILLING IS HELPING AGED CARE PROVIDERS
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ccounts Payable Supervisor Ashika Chandra has been working in the accounts department of Leading Age Services Australia for 12 years. She says she loves her job, because it’s all about helping those who help others. “Our clients are on the frontline of the pandemic, putting their own health at risk to care for older people, and I’m very proud to be able to help them,” says Ashika.
to keep on top of things and stay up-to-date with all the changes.” Ashika recently assisted a small provider from regional New South Wales to improve their accounting, and they were incredibly grateful.
“I talk to clients every day, and every week I hear of someone who has contracted COVID-19 and has to quarantine. “It makes me more determined to help make their lives easier.” LASA’s Claims & Billing service is all about taking the confusion out of finances, to help aged care organisations maximise their income stream while meeting their financial obligations to their residents. Since legislative changes several years ago, providers now have to contend with Refundable Accommodation Deposits (RADs), Daily Accommodation Payments (DAPs), Daily Accommodation Contributions (DACs), Billing Interest Rates (BIRs), Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIRs) and means testing, along with ongoing tweaks in rates and criteria. “Many providers and finance officers are still very confused about RADs, DAPs, DACs, BIRs, MPIRs and means testing,” says Ashika. “You can find the information on the government’s website, but it’s not all in one place, and not always written in a way that is easy to understand. “Sometimes the department sends out multiple letters for a client advising of different amounts of means test fee, which creates confusion between providers and families. “This can lead to incorrect charging, especially for small providers that may not have the software and technology
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Ashika (pictured with her son Isaac) is a working mum who loves her role helping aged care providers.
