How The Voucher System Works
Healthcare Providers
Vouchers can be issued for healthcare support up to the value of $100. If the required support exceeds this amount, prior approval from South Otago Health Support Trust is needed before the voucher can be processed. Please complete the approval request form below, and a trustee will be in touch as soon as possible.
Members of the Public
If you know someone who may be struggling to afford essential healthcare but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself, a family member, or someone in the community, get in touch and we can help point you in the right direction and connect you with the appropriate support.
How The Voucher System Works
1. Vouchers are available to a select group of health professionals and community health providers who work closely with individuals who may require financial assistance to access health services.
2. During an assessment the professional may identify that their client is requiring health services which will involve costs.
3. The client may have communicated that they cannot afford payment for the health service required. The client possibly will therefore not access the required service due to financial constraints or other priorities.
4. After discussion, and consent from the client, the professional can issue a completed voucher to their client.
5. The voucher will be presented by the client to the appropriate registered service provider.
6. The service provider will then send the completed voucher with an invoice to the South Otago Health Support Trust mailing address.
7. On receipt of the invoice from the service provider, The South Otago Health Support Trust trustees will then arrange payment.
Who Can Issue Vouchers
Various government and non-government agencies and health care providers have been selected to have access to voucher books. Professional staff members have been briefed on the distribution of vouchers to clients who are residents of the Clutha District.Current approved voucher issuers include:
• Clutha Health First General Practice
• Catlins Medical Centre
• West Otago Health Limited
• Milton Medical Centre
• Tuapeka Community Health
• Clutha Health First Community Health
• Clutha Health First Community Maternity and Midwifery (LMC)
• Southern Rivers, Te Whatu Oro Health NZ
• Public Health Nursing - Te Punaka Oraka (Well Child Service) Te Whata Ora Health NZ
• Clutha Health First District Nurses
• Pact Balclutha
• Presbyterian Support Otago Family Works
• Anglican Family Care
• Clutha Budget Advisory Service & Clutha Food Hub
• Tokomairiro Community Hub
• Whanau Awhina Plunket
• South Otago High School
• Tokomariro High School
• Lawrence Area School
• Blue Mountain College
• The Catlins Area SchoolWhat Can The Voucher Be Used For
Clients and family members can be issued with more than one voucher at a time. They may get one voucher to see a GP and another voucher for medications or prescription fees. All vouchers are valid for one month from the date of issue and are non-transferable.May include full or partial fees for;
1. GP consultation
2. Practice Nurse or Nurse Practitioner consultation
3. Prescription and or medication
4. Physiotherapy
5. Counselling
6. Optometrist and/or prescription lenses
7. Travel assistance… fuel
8. Radiology (Xray/ultrasound)
9. Podiatry
10. Pediatric consultation.
11. Other circumstances/needs as agreed by The South Otago Health Support Trust
How Much Are The Vouchers Worth
Vouchers can be issued up to the value of $100 only. If the required service or treatment exceeds the $100 limit, the Trust at the discretion of the Trustees can fund requests of over $100. The procedure is a little different in these cases and involves an online application being completed by the healthcare provider with client consent.
Where Can Vouchers be Presented
The voucher can be used at various registered providers and health related businesses in the Clutha District including Medical Centres, Pharmacies, Radiology, Physiotherapy, Optometrist.
What Information Is Included On The Voucher
The voucher contains information about the client such as their name and address, date of birth, ethnicity and details of the health issue and services/products required. This is strictly confidential.
What Is The SOHST Monitoring/Auditing process for vouchers?
Our voucher system allows the SOHST to monitor who is issuing the vouchers, and to whom they are issued with privacy being respected.
The SOHST maintains the strict privacy of this information; however demographic information will be collated for the purpose of programme evaluation and applications for future funding.
The SOHST monitors the issuing of vouchers to ensure the integrity of the system is maintained and that terms and conditions of use are followed.
Issuers may be contacted to clarify situations which may appear to contravene the terms and conditions of the SOHST.
