Applications from eligible PACFA Members to become recognised Counselling Providers for Medibank and ahm must be made using the Online Application Form. All new applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, so please check that you are eligible before applying.
MediBank Provider Number Application Form
AHM Provider Number Application Form
Eligibility
From 10th October 2020, all new applicants for a Medibank and/or ahm Provider Number must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Providers must be Clinical members of PACFA;
- Providers must have completed a Bachelor Degree (AQF level 7) or a Masters Degree (AQF level 9) specifically in Counselling/Psychotherapy, or have been assessed by VETASSESS as having completed an equivalent overseas Bachelor or Masters qualification;
- Providers must hold current Professional Indemnity Insurance of $1,000,000 minimum per claim;
- This professional indemnity insurance policy must cover each practice location and each modality; and
- Providers must hold a current Provide First Aid (HLTAID003/HLTAID011) certificate.
Kindly note that processing times vary for each private health fund, with some potentially requiring more time than others. It may take up to 6 weeks. Until you receive the Provider Number from PACFA, please refrain from advertising to clients that you have a provider number.
Claiming benefits
Medibank and ahm benefits are available for consultations that occur on or after 15 October 2020.
Medibank members whose Extras products include Mental health Support can claim a benefit for counselling consultations with Medibank recognised Providers, that have occurred on or after this date, up to their annual limit.
ahm members whose Extras products include Psychology and Counselling can claim a benefit for counselling consultations with an ahm recognised Provider, that has occurred on or after this date, up to their annual limit.
Medibank and ahm Extras products
To find out if a Medibank member can claim benefits towards Counselling, they should refer to their Cover Summary which is available on the My Medibank App on their phone, or by logging into the Member Area on the Medibank website. If their extras cover includes ‘mental health support’, then they can claim a benefit for counselling up to the annual limit.
To find out if an ahm member can claim benefits towards Counselling, they should refer to their Product Guide which is available on the ahm website. If their extras cover includes ‘Psychology and Counselling’, then they can claim a benefit up to their annual limit.
Please see the FAQs for details of the Medibank and ahm Extras products that currently provide benefits for counselling.
Further information
For further information see the FAQs including:
- Which clients can access benefits for counselling consultations
- What benefits will members get
- Item numbers
- Telehealth item numbers
- Invoicing requirements