Each state has different policies. In Qld you can get garments through the public system, but in regional centres like Cairns it is often hard to get seen publicly if you had your surgery or treatment privately. The health fund rebate is well short of what is needed. I need two garments every 6 months custom made. That adds up to $2000!! I was lucky enough to just sneak into the public system 6 years ago where Breast care nurses could refer you. The hospital make it very hard for me to stay there, but I persevere as I can't afford the garments even with private health. It is a bit of a rigmarole with referrals needed from my GP every 6 months but I do it. I think my health fund covers $500 a year and it comes under "artificial appliances" but other things like my swimming prosthesis, wigs etc come under the same thing. There is also the assumption that if you have health insurance you are wealthy which is more often than not incorrect. It is so wrong! Lymphedema is not something that goes away, but something you manage. I really feel for you not getting any rebates at all. It is criminal. Even the states where there are rebates are heavily screened.
If you haven't already check out the
lymphoedema action alliance They are working hard to make changes.
Paula xx
