Funding & Payment Options

You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate to assist with the cost of sessions if you have a valid referral from a GP.
Invoices must be paid in full at the time of your appointment. Claims are processed directly by you through Medicare (usually via the MyGov app).

Important Information

• Referrals must be dated on or before the day of your appointment at Happy Chatter.
• Medicare does not allow referrals to be backdated.
• If your referral has not already been emailed to us, please bring a copy to your first appointment.
• Rebate amounts may vary depending on your individual Medicare safety net status and personal circumstances.
For further information, please contact Medicare or Services Australia on 132 011.

A Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) (previously known as an EPC or CDMP) can be arranged through your GP if your child has a chronic or complex medical condition.
A CCMP allows your child to access up to five allied health sessions per calendar year, including occupational therapy or speech pathology.
Please note:
• Referrals must come from a GP (paediatricians cannot issue CCMP referrals).
• CCMP rebates cannot be used for report writing, group programs or cancellation fees
• Standard Medicare claiming requirements apply (as outlined above).

For complex neurodevelopmental conditions and eligible disabilities – from 1 March 2026.

Ask your GP to set up the referral under Item 139 (or equivalent if on telehealth)

Please see the link below for more information on the Medicare expansion for children and young people with communication needs.

Medicare expansion for speech pathology starts 1 March 2026 – here’s what you need to know.

Please note:
• Referrals must come from a GP or specialist
• M10 rebates cannot be used for report writing, group programs or cancellation fees
• Standard Medicare claiming requirements apply (as outlined above).

The Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) Program is a government-funded initiative designed to support families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

To be eligible for HCWA funding:
• Your child must have a formal diagnosis of ASD (or PDD) from a qualified professional such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
• A valid referral from a paediatrician or psychiatrist is required.
• The referral must be written before your child turns 13 years of age.
• Services must be claimed before your child turns 15 years of age.
Once the allocated funding has been used, additional services cannot be claimed under this program.

Please note:
• Private health insurance cannot be used to cover any gap payments for HCWA services.
• Funding must be available prior to appointments being booked.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact your referring paediatrician or funding body directly for clarification.

• Self-managed
• Plan-managed

We are unable to accept participants who are NDIA-managed.
It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure sufficient funding is available prior to attending appointments. Any invoices rejected by the NDIS, for any reason, remain the responsibility of the client.

A reminder text message is sent two days prior to your scheduled appointment.
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the appointment time to avoid fees.
If a session is cancelled within 48 hours the full session fee will apply (rescheduling may be possible, depending on clinician availability).

Please note:
• Medicare and private health rebates cannot be used to cover cancellation fees.
• To cancel or reschedule, please contact reception via phone or email.
• Where possible, alternative appointment options will be discussed.