Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme (CWCS)

The Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme (CWCS) is an Australian Government initiative which covers the provision and distribution of wound consumable products for individuals with diabetes who have a chronic wound, and who are over 65 years of age, or are First Nations people aged over 50.

The scheme covers the full cost of wound consumables including:

• • • Dressings
    • Bandages
    • Adhesives
    • Other products related to effective wound healing

The full list of products covered under the CWCS can be viewed here.

Eligibility

CWCS assistance is available to:

• People with diabetes who have a chronic wound and are:
  • Over 65 years of age, or
  • First Nations people over 50 years of age

Patients are not eligible for this scheme if they receive funding for wound care through:

• The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs rehabilitation and treatment programs (including Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) dressings)
• Australian Government-funded residential aged care, Home Care Packages, or the Community Home Support Program
• State or territory-funded public/community wound clinics that fund wound care products
• Public or private hospitals (including post-operative and outpatient wound care)

How to Access

Patients can access the scheme via healthcare professionals, as all CWCS orders must be placed by an authorised practitioner. These can be:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners
• Medical practitioners in a primary care setting, including general practitioners
• Registered nurses and nurse practitioners
• Podiatrists

Customers cannot order products with the CWCS directly through Independence Australia.