Key facts
- Nearly 20% of older Australians who contested algorithm-determined home support funding received more support after human review.
- The integrated assessment tool (IAT) uses an algorithm to allocate government-funded home support.
- As of March 31, 757 reviews of Support at Home funding allocations were requested.
- 141 of these reviews led to a more favorable outcome for the older person.
- The commonwealth ombudsman is investigating the IAT due to concerns about its fairness and humanity.
Nearly one-fifth of older Australians who contested their home support funding, initially determined by an algorithm, received a higher level of support or priority after a human reviewed the decision. Data from the Department of Health and Ageing, up to March 31, shows that out of 757 requests for a review of Support at Home funding allocations, 141 resulted in a more favorable outcome for the older person.
The integrated assessment tool (IAT), introduced in November, uses an algorithm to determine eligibility and classification for aged care services, including Support at Home. Assessors have noted that the algorithmic decision cannot be overridden, even if they believe the allocated support is insufficient. This system has reportedly left many individuals without adequate care, potentially hastening their move into aged care homes.
In response to these concerns, the commonwealth ombudsman launched an investigation in April into the IAT, which has been described by some as "cruel" and "inhumane." The investigation is ongoing.
Greens senator Penny Allman-Payne has advocated for the government to reinstate human oversight, arguing that the current data does not fully capture the extent of inadequate support, as many individuals may not know how to contest decisions or may face unsuccessful reassessments. She highlighted the tool's systematic inability to accurately determine needs for those with cognitive issues, mental health conditions, or frailty.
Mark Aitken, a nurse and founder of Mascotte Aged Care Solutions, has been assisting people in challenging their funding allocations. He expressed concern about the complex and stressful appeal processes, questioning why a system that claims to be person-centered forces older individuals through such procedures. Aitken also called for clarity on how decisions are reviewed and the meaning of closed case data, particularly for those awaiting decisions who might require admission to care facilities.
Shadow health and aged care minister Anne Ruston stated that review requests have "exploded" since the algorithm took charge of care decisions. She criticized the system as "impossible to navigate" and noted that too many older Australians are dying while waiting for assessments or reviews. Ruston also pointed out that a bill passed by the Senate to address issues with the IAT is being blocked from debate in the House of Representatives by the Labor government.