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The impact of enhancing social care on healthcare use for people with disability: evidence from Australia

Author

Listed:
  • Bernice Hua Ma

    (Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health, Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University)

  • Samia Badji

    (Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health)

  • Dennis Petrie

    (Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health)

  • Gang Chen

    (Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Cancer Health Services Research, University of Melbourne)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of enhanced social care provided through the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on subsided 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 subsidised mental health services and allied health services in the six quarters after enrolment. 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 subsided 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, 2025. "The impact of enhancing social care on healthcare use for people with disability: evidence from Australia," Papers 2025-19, Centre for Health Economics, Monash University.
    • Handle: RePEc:mhe:chemon:2025-19
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    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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