Fully Reimbursed GLA:D Program to HCF Members

Are you an HCF member and suffer with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA)? Currently HCF are offering a fully reimbursed GLA:D program to their members who meet the eligible criteria. The program will be funded as a Chronic Disease Management Program (CDMP) and no amounts will be deducted from a member’s extra’s limits. This means there is zero out-of-pocket costs and you keep all your physiotherapy extra’s limits. This will help early intervention to minimise symptoms of knee and hip OA and avoid joint replacement surgery.

Who is eligible?

You must have private health insurance with HCF and:

• have held HCF hospital cover for at least 12months;
• have hospital cover which includes joint replacement surgery for at least 2 months;
• have premiums up to date;
• meet the clinical eligibility criteria.

For the clinical eligibility criteria, members must:

• be 18 years or over;
• have a diagnosis of symptomatic hip or knee osteoarthritis, that is likely to require joint replacement surgery in the upcoming few years (as assessed by a physiotherapist, general practitioner or orthopaedic surgeon);
• not have had a total or partial hip or knee joint replacement surgery;
• not have participated in the GLA:D program in the previous 2 years;
• not have participated in the Osteoarthritis Health Weight For Life program in the previous 2 years.

What does the GLA:D program involve?

The program consists of an initial consult, 12 supervised 1-hour exercise sessions over 6 weeks, 2 education sessions, and a final consult after completion of the exercise program. For further details on the GLA:D program CLICK HERE.

How do I start the HCF fully reimbursed GLA:D program?

If you meet the above criteria, contact us today. Before starting the program we will need to contact HCF to confirm your eligibility.

Once HCF has approved the program, you will then be able to book your initial GLA:D assessment.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, you can alternatively book a consult with one of our physiotherapists. Our physios will be able to accurately assess if you meet the clinical eligibility and then advice you on the best course of action.

What to expect during the program?

Once your eligibility is confirmed with HCF, you will complete your initial assessment with one of our GLA:D trained physiotherapists and will be registered with GLA:D Australia. GLA:D Australia, will also contact you to fill out survey information to help indicate your progress in the program and aid in this ongoing research. You will complete 12 physio-supervised 60 minute exercise sessions over 6 weeks, x2 education sessions and a follow up assessment to also review your progress and then advice on what to do next.

So the program costs nothing?

Yes there will be no out-of-pocket costs.

PLEASE NOTE – As this HCF program is in a pilot stage, this service cannot be claimed immediately through HICAPS. This means you will be required to pay upfront for each service, but you will then be provided with an invoice that you directly claim through HCF and receive 100% of your money back.

Can I still do GLA:D if I don’t meet the criteria?

Definitely. Anyone is still eligible to participate or complete the GLA:D program. If you have private heath insurance with physiotherapy extra’s cover- you will be able to use this to claim for the program. It just means there is likely some out of pocket costs.

Are other Private Health Funds offering this?

Unfortunately at this stage no. Despite the fact the program is already backed by strong evidence and is the recommended first line of treatment for knee and hip OA. GLA:D Australia has been in regular contact with Private Health Insurers and Medicare to have this program fully funded- as it already has been proven to help reduce medication usage, and delay or often prevent the need of replacement surgery (saving significant costs on the healthcare system).

If you have Private Health insurance with other funds, we do encourage you to contact your fund and ask them why they aren’t doing the same as HCF.

As we stated, you are able to claim under your private health extra’s cover but there will be out of pocket costs.

Want to learn more? Click below for some more related information