Almost one-fifth of older Australians who contested their Support at Home funding allocation, determined by an algorithm, received a higher level of support or priority after a human reviewed the decision. Data provided by the department of health and ageing, up to March 31, shows that out of 757 requests for a review of a Support at Home funding allocation, 141 resulted in a more favourable outcome for the older person.
These favourable outcomes included eligibility for more services, a different or higher classification level, or a higher priority category. A further 177 cases saw no change, 304 were closed, and 135 remain in progress.
The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), introduced in November, is used across aged care to determine eligibility and classification for services. It involves an assessor asking questions about an older person's circumstances, with an algorithm then using this data to allocate a support level. Assessors cannot override the algorithmic decision if they believe a lower level of support has been allocated than needed.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman launched an investigation in April into the IAT, which has been described by assessors and older people as “cruel” and “inhumane”. This investigation is ongoing.