Usually you would need to have a high level of health cover to claim for assistance with the purchase of prostheses. There are a few Commonwealth Government financial assistance schemes that you may be eligible for. The Department of Veterans Affairs can provide financial assistance to War Widows and eligible female veterans who have an entitlement card. The Department of Social Security may provide financial assistance to women who have one of the Health Care Cards or Health Benefits Card or Pensioner Benefits Card. The average life span of a breast prosthesis is about 2 years.
Limited assistance is available for subsequent prostheses.
This scheme has different names in other states and territories. There is a lot of variation between each state and territory in the way financial assistance for prostheses operates. Contact the social worker at your local public hospital or the BCSS for further information. Some BCSS have a booklet with detailed information on the range of prostheses available including how much they cost, where they can be purchased, retailers with specially trained bra and prostheses fitters and details on health fund rebates. Wigs Some hospitals, cancer organisations and Cancer Care Units have established wig libraries.