WA leads the way in providing more money, less 'red tape' for country residents
Source: Western Australia. Media Release.
"The State Government has announced a complete overhaul of the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) to increase support to country residents needing to travel away from their homes to access specialist medical services. Health Minister Dr Kim Hames said the Government would provide an additional $30.8million over three and a half years using funds from the Royalties for Regions Scheme. “These changes will cut the red-tape previously associated with PATS, improve access to the scheme and increase support to patients. Country patients will no longer be required to make any up-front payment towards their travel and will receive an increase in the fuel and accommodation subsidies provided.”