The Insurance Commission will reduce payment terms for health practitioners from 20 days to 24 hours for pre-approved health treatment expenses from next month, benefiting local businesses and injured Western Australians.
The Insurance Commission is set to become the first motor injury and workers’ compensation insurer in Australia to pay for pre-approved treatment services using HICAPS.
The Insurance Commission manages personal injury claims for people injured in vehicle crashes on the road and for government agency staff injured in the workplace. Most claims involve the injured person requiring rehabilitation to help them return to work and the community.
Customers will receive a text message with a treatment number that can be provided to their health practitioner to be entered into the HICAPS terminal to verify and initiate payment.
The Insurance Commission’s current payment terms are 20 days where liability has been determined.
Automated payments will simplify invoice and payment processing, enabling health practitioners to receive payment within 24 hours for pre-approved treatment and reducing the likelihood claimants will have to pay for treatment costs.
In 2018-19, the Insurance Commission paid $70 million for around 400,000 health services for 15,000 injured Western Australians.
As stated by Treasurer Ben Wyatt:
“The Insurance Commission’s new payment terms will make life much easier for injured Western Australians and businesses.
“It will deliver payment certainty and improved cash flow for businesses, which is critical in our current environment, and facilitate early treatment for Western Australians following an accident.
“I applaud the Insurance Commission on its innovative and efficient approach to payments for small businesses.
“I encourage all agencies to find ways to pay their suppliers swiftly.”
Treasurer’s office – 6552 5900
