Minns Government to help ease cost of living pressures for patients in regional, rural, and remote areas with $71.7 million additional support

THE Minns Labor Government has committed an additional $71.7 million in the 2026-27 NSW Budget to help regional, rural and remote patients access specialist healthcare through the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS).

The funding boost aims to ease cost-of-living pressures for patients and families who must travel long distances for medical treatment not available in their local communities.

IPTAAS provides financial assistance for travel and accommodation costs for patients who need to travel more than 100 kilometres one way, or more than 200 kilometres in total each week, to receive specialist healthcare.

NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said the scheme plays a vital role in ensuring equitable access to healthcare across the state.

“IPTAAS ensures people in regional, rural and remote NSW can access the specialist care they need, no matter where they live,” Mr Park said.

“With cost-of-living pressures continuing to put pressure on households, this relief is more important than ever.

“It provides practical financial assistance that makes a real difference for patients and their families.”

The additional funding follows growing demand for the scheme.

Last year IPTAAS supported 49,198 patients, an increase of 7,500 compared with the previous year.

The program has expanded significantly in recent years, supported by increased investment and improvements to processing times and customer service.

Patients can now use a streamlined online claiming system that allows claims to be submitted more easily and reimbursements paid directly into bank accounts.

Mr Park said the funding forms part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare access across country NSW.

“We are committed to supporting patients living in regional communities and making sure distance is not a barrier to care, while also helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for patients and their families,” he said.

The Government is also investing in additional health worker accommodation, increased rural workforce incentives, more doctors through the single employer model, and an extra 500 regional paramedics to strengthen healthcare services across regional NSW.