NTA Recommendations - for NGOs Logo

  • Recommendations from the interim project group

  • During June 2024, the interim project group has been developing detailed recommendations regarding further improvements for the National Travel Assistance (NTA) Scheme. We are sharing these ideas now so that we can check with you that we are making the right recommendations to Government.

    Thanks to the members of the project group who have generously given their time, asked tricky questions and shared their invaluable expertise:

    -        Anne Kirkpatrick, Ronald McDonald House Charities

    -        Andrew Baker, Kidney Health

    -        Amantha Bowen, Waikato Regional Council

    -        Victoria Thompson, Bowel Cancer NZ

    -        Rosie Shaw and Deborah Tomlin, Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ

    -        Kristin Bernstone, Gut Cancer Foundation

    -        Julie Taverner, Hato Hone St John

    -        Hannah Booth, Maria De Cort and Ellen Fisher, Cancer Society NZ

    Thanks also to all the individuals who supported this campaign and shared their experiences. We have woven your words into our work at every stage. We are grateful for both your insights and your generosity in sharing them with us.

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  • The survey is set out in 6 sections:

    -        Promotion of NTA

    -        Administration

    -        Primary eligibility criteria

    -        Secondary eligibility criteria

    -        Travel and accommodation rates

    -        Payment

    You can comment on all sections or pick the ones that are relevant to you.

    The survey will take 10-15 minutes.

  • 1. Promotion of NTA

    Signpost clear and easy pathways into the NTA scheme for patients and their whānau.
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  • 2. Administration

    Implement an automated registration and claim process.
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  • 3. Primary eligibility criteria

    Create primary eligibility criteria using up-to-date data on how far and how often people must travel for treatment.
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  • Current criteria:

    • You have been referred to the specialist you are going to see by another specialist (not a GP).
    • Both specialists are publicly funded.
    • You travel more than 80km one way per visit (for a child) or 350km one way per visit (for an adult).
    • You visit a specialist at least 22 times in 2 months.
    • You visit a specialist at least 6 times in 6 months, and travel more than 25km one way per visit (for a child) or 50km one way per visit (for an adult).
    • You are a Community Services Card holder and travel more than 25km one way per visit (for a child) or 80km one way per visit (for an adult).
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  • 4. Secondary eligibility criteria

    Clear and simple processes to assess and approve patient claims that fall outside the standard eligibility criteria but still demonstrate clear need.
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  • 5. Travel and accommodation rates

    The Government increased travel and accommodation rates from 1 April 2024. The rate for travel rose from 29c/km to 34c/km. Accommodation rates went from $100/night to $140/night for motels and from $25/night to $35/night for staying with whānau.
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  • 6. Payment system

    A payment system that allows patients to be paid in advance rather than the current system that largely pays retrospectively.
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  • Next steps

  • We plan to use your feedback to advocate for further change to the NTA Scheme. More specifically, we will be working to influence the Government and Te Whatu Ora / Health NZ. Given the announcement in March of a further $18mil funding into NTA, we know this will be a big ask – it means we need to find the right buttons to push and levers to pull.

    Your feedback and comments will continue to make up a vital part of this project, as these are the experiences we need to convey to the decision-makers on NTA.

  • And you’ve got to be in to win!

    As a small thank you, please share your details to be in the draw to win one of 10 $50 supermarket vouchers.

    Your details will only be used for this draw.

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