Blood Pressure Monitor

Hi Julie

Thanks for reaching out on Enableme.

High Blood Pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.

Unfortunately, the purchase of home blood pressure monitors does not qualify for a Medicare rebate. Some private health insurers will cover them under an extras policy, but it varies from provider to provider.

From 1 November, Australians will be able to claim rebates for ambulatory blood pressure measurement, which monitors a patient’s blood pressure continuously over 24 hours through a wearable device to diagnose if they are hypertensive or not. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is the best available test to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension and more effective than in-clinic blood pressure monitoring.

Regarding NDIA ( National Disability Insurance agency) funding, the purchase of a Blood pressure monitor device comes under whether it is deemed a reasonable or necessary item , based on an individual’s disability needs and whether it is included in their plan .

The NDIA advise that it is best to engage your support coordinator if you have one to discuss this with them further and gain help in lodging this request, or if you are self-managed you can always speak to a local area coordinator or call NDIA directly yourself.

Even if you do purchase a blood pressure monitor for your own home use, your doctor should explain what your ideal blood pressure is based on a range of factors, including your overall health.

It is important to buy a device that measures blood pressure accurately.

We have a link at the bottom of our High Blood Pressure resources page for checking if a BP monitor is validated in Australia or not - Blood Pressure resources - Menzies Institute for Medical Research | University of Tasmania (utas.edu.au)

More information and resources about blood pressure monitors are located   here

Remember It’s so important to know all your individual risk factors for stroke and how you can lower your chance of stroke through preventative measures.

Please give StrokeLine a call on 1800787653 or email us on strokeline@strokefoundation.com.au if you have any further questions.

Regards

Alicia ( StrokeLine)

Thankyou Alicia

The information you have provided is very helpful. Unfortunately, NDIA have advised that they will not cover the cost of a Blood pressure monitor as it is deemed a medical expense and not directly related to my disability. My health insurance provider does not cover the cost under my extras either. 

It is only recently that my blood pressure reading has changed. It is not an expense i had planned on and was therefore hoping that Medicare may offer a rebate. I hope the information you have provided is helpful to others though. Thanks again Julie

Hi all, re high blood pressure, my experience was that I neglected it and due to familiy history and my ignorance, it was a contributing factor to my stroke. Now, on medication, so BP normal. What helped is this (post stroke): one month, 3x a day (morning, midday and evening), 3x measuring my blood pressure, writing it down and showing it to your GP. This way, a GP can select the most appropriate medication. Choosing the right medication can be a bit of a hit and miss. Take care.

Hi Julie, sorry for late input but it may be worth following up the purchase and trying to get some money back through your Health fund. I suggest asking your doctor for a letter recommending and stating why you require a monitor at home and then send this in with a copy of your receipt. It might not work but  sometimes this approach does.

Toni