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The Impact of Enhancing Social Care on Healthcare Use for People With Disability: Evidence From Australia

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  • Bernice Hua Ma
  • Samia Badji
  • Dennis Petrie
  • Gang Chen

Abstract

This study examines the impact of enhanced social care provided through the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on subsidized healthcare utilisation for people with disability. Using linked administrative datasets from 2011 to 2020, we employed a Difference‐in‐Difference model and the staggered rollout of the NDIS to assess its effects on healthcare services, focusing on visits to general practitioners (GP), mental healthcare providers, allied health professionals, specialists, and mental health prescriptions. The results show that the NDIS reduced subsidized mental health services and allied health services in the six quarters after enrollment. However, it did not significantly affect visits to GP, specialists, or mental health prescriptions. These effects were most pronounced among individuals aged 0–24 years, males, and those living in major cities. The findings suggest that services available from NDIS may substitute for subsidized healthcare services by providing non‐clinical care through social care channels. Further research is needed to investigate the long‐term effects and health outcomes of the NDIS.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernice Hua Ma & Samia Badji & Dennis Petrie & Gang Chen, 2026. "The Impact of Enhancing Social Care on Healthcare Use for People With Disability: Evidence From Australia," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(2), pages 212-228, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:35:y:2026:i:2:p:212-228
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.70055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. James Taylor & Karinna Saxby & Jodie Bailie & Samia Badji & Gozde Aydin & Ryan Liang & Dennis Petrie, 2026. "Specialist Affordability and Access for People With Disability," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 59(1), pages 109-113, March.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I11 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Analysis of Health Care Markets
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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