Expanded mental health care access for Reservists
Eligibility for non-liability mental health treatment will be expanded to Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reservists who have disaster relief or border protection service or have been involved in a serious military service-related training accident.
The Australian Government announced the initiative as part of the 2018–19 Budget to support veterans and their families. It will take effect from 1 July 2018.
Under Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC), DVA pays for the treatment of all mental health conditions through the provision of a White Card. The mental health condition does not need to be linked to the person’s military service and does not require a diagnosis. Access to treatment under non-liability health care is separate from any compensation claim.
Services may include treatment with a general practitioner, psychiatrist, psychologist, public and private hospital, or counselling.
All current and former permanent full-time ADF members are already eligible for mental health treatment, as are Reservists who have continuous full-time service (CFTS). This measure expands eligibility to include Reservists without CFTS but who have disaster relief or border protection service or have been involved in a serious military-service-related training accident.
