Clients medical alarm supplier is not MSD-accredited

Clients who are with a medical alarm supplier who has their MSD-accreditation revoked can continue getting Disability Allowance for medical alarm services with that supplier under a grandparenting arrangement.

When there is a change in circumstance, it may be reasonable for MSD to have a conversation with the client about changing to an MSD-accredited supplier.

In some cases grandparenting may no longer be relevant. It would be appropriate for clients who have medical alarm services with a non MSD-accredited supplier to change to an MSD-accredited supplier.

Types of changes include, but are not limited to:

• Price increase - if a grandparented non MSD-accredited medical alarm supplier increases their prices, the client needs to contact MSD and inform us of this change. It would be appropriate for the client to change to an MSD-accredited medical alarm supplier.
• Additional alarm - if another occupant in the same home as the client now needs a medical alarm service, it would be appropriate for the client to change to an MSD-accredited alarm supplier.
• Change in need - MSD can cover medical alarm costs for in-home and anywhere services. If a client’s disability improves or deteriorates, this may mean that they need to change from one of these services to the other. It is appropriate to discuss with  the client changing to an accredited supplier.

Anna has an in-home medical alarm and has been with a non-accredited supplier for several years. Anna is getting Disability Allowance to cover the cost of this alarm and the costs are grandparented as the supplier used to be an accredited supplier.

Anna's partner Mateo has been to see their medical practitioner who recommends that Mateo also get a medical alarm due to his disability.

Mateo and Anna complete all the necessary paperwork and have a conversation with their case manager, Lani.

Lani explains there are a range of accredited suppliers that could provide for both Anna and Mateo on a new contract.

As they are making changes anyway, Anna and Mateo agree to change to an accredited provider after they see out the 30-day notice period with Anna's current supplier.

Alia has had an in-home medical alarm with a medical alarm supplier for the last 2 years due to chronic arthritis in her hips and knees.

At the most recent re-accreditation process, their supplier became non MSD-accredited.

Over the last 6 months Alia has received 2 hip replacements and a knee replacement that means Alia is now more mobile and can leave the house.

Alia's doctor agrees the medical alarm service should be modified to make sure Alia is covered when out and about.

Alia completes the necessary application forms and is required to select from the list of accredited medical alarm suppliers.