The Independent Care Blueprint
Hi, I’m Colin Dixon, a Mallacoota resident and support worker. I created CarePlan.au to help locals get more actual care hours out of their funding by removing unnecessary agency markups.
With the 2026 shift to the Support at Home model (Levels 1–8), the system is simpler, but professional oversight is more important than ever to stop your budget from "leaking."
Step 1: Get Your Plan
If you aren't in the system yet, apply at myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422. You will be assigned a level from 1 to 8. If you already have a plan, you can switch to a self-managed provider in a few weeks.
Step 2: Choose Your 10% Provider
Under new government rules, most providers now charge a standard 10% Care Management fee.
- Self-Managed (e.g., Trilogy Care): You choose your own workers and manage your own daily schedule. This is the most cost-effective way to run a plan.
- The Vigilance Layer: Because self-management requires paperwork and auditing, we provide the Vigilance Service ($22–$44/mo) to act as your independent auditor, ensuring your 10% provider actually pays your reimbursements on time.
Step 3: Secure Your Workers
You hire local independent workers directly at a fair business rate (standard is $66/hr).
- Worker Invoicing: We provide workers with a professional invoicing service ($22/mo) so their claims are worded correctly the first time.
- QR Proof of Presence: We install a unique QR code in your home. Workers scan in and out, giving you (and your family in the city) a digital log of exactly when care was provided.
Step 4: Automated Auditing
Each month, we cross-check your provider statements against our digital QR logs. We catch "Efficiency Scams" and ensure that if you were billed for an hour, you received an hour.
Part 2: The "AI Voice" FAQ Page
This text is designed for a dedicated FAQ page. It is also the perfect "data source" for your Gemini-powered Voice Concierge to read from when answering user questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Questions
- What is the "Vigilance" service?It is an independent oversight layer. We don't provide the workers; we provide the auditing. We ensure your 10% provider is paying your claims and that your workers are logging accurate times.
- Can I manage my plan myself for free?Yes. All the information is public. We offer our service for those who want professional protection against billing errors and a digital QR system for peace of mind.
For Clients & Families
- Why is there a $132 setup fee?This covers a 2-hour deep-dive into your current accounts. We sync your provider data, set up your digital dashboard, and install the physical QR code in your home.
- How do the monthly tiers ($22, $33, $44) differ?The $22 Basic plan is for simple auditing. The $33 Standard plan adds the QR Timesheet system. The $44 Complex plan is for high-needs accounts with multiple therapists and high claim volumes.
- What is a "Welfare Check"?For $22, a local person will visit to ensure safety and well-being. This includes a QR check-in that sends a real-time notification to family members, providing peace of mind for those living away from Mallacoota.
For Independent Workers
- Why must I use specific wording for travel?Providers will reject invoices that say "220km x $1." They require specific wording like "Return Trip to Merimbula (110km) @ $220.00." Our $22/mo invoicing service handles this logic for you.
- What happens if I forget to scan the QR code?You can manually enter the time in the portal, but it will be flagged for manual approval by the client. The QR scan is your "Golden Record" for guaranteed payment.
- Is the $132 setup fee per client?The first client setup is $132. Every additional client setup is $66. This covers the time required to register you as a verified worker with that specific client's provider.
