- Australian Government Program
The Stoma Appliance Scheme
The Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS), established in 1975 and subsidised by the Australian Government, provides support to people with a stoma by improving access to the most suitable and clinically appropriate stoma related products.
Ready to Join the Scheme?
Find out if you're eligible and how to register through a stoma association.
What is the Stoma Appliance Scheme?
Products supplied under the Scheme assist people affected with stomas to better manage their condition, and allow greater participation in the society and workforce. These products are provided free of charge through 21 regional stoma associations across Australia.
Approximately 45,000 people with stomas access SAS products through stoma associations. The stoma associations purchase stoma related products from suppliers and distribute to their members as required.
The choice of products which a person uses is guided by a Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) who is specifically trained to advise on the use of stomal products following colostomy or ileostomy surgery. The STN will select and discuss products they feel are appropriate for the person with a stoma taking into consideration their lifestyle requirements.
Check Eligibility
Find out if you qualify to access stoma products through the scheme.
Your Responsibilities
Understand your obligations as a registered SAS participant.
How to Access the Scheme
From eligibility through to ordering your products — here's how it works.
Check Eligibility
You must have a stoma or fistula and hold a current Medicare number, DVA number, Reciprocal Medicare Card, or a NZ/Ireland passport number.
Complete an Application Form
Your Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) will help you complete the SAS Application Form. Both you and your STN or medical practitioner must sign it.
Join a Stoma Association
Choose and join an approved stoma association. Your STN can help. Consider their fees, location, services and postage arrangements.
Select & Order Products
Your STN helps you select appropriate products from the SAS Schedule. Submit your application, membership form and initial order to your association.
Tip: When choosing an association, consider their annual access fee and payment plans for financial hardship, whether they offer additional services, their location (for pick-up versus postal delivery), and postage fees if relevant.
Eligibility
To access stoma-related products under the SAS, a person must meet all of the following:
Have a temporary or permanent stoma or fistula (created surgically or otherwise) that facilitates the removal of urine and/or products of the gastrointestinal tract
Be an eligible person within the meaning of theHealth Insurance Act 1973(an Australian resident or eligible overseas resident)
Reside in Australia (products are not supplied if more than six months is spent overseas)
Hold one of: a current Medicare number, a DVA entitlement number, an Australian Reciprocal Medicare Card number, or a passport number (if a resident of New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland)
Hold one of: a current Medicare number, a DVA entitlement number, an Australian Reciprocal Medicare Card number, or a passport number (if a resident of New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland)
Your Responsibilities
As a SAS participant, you agree to the following (as outlined in the SAS Operational Guidelines):
Be a financial member of an approved stoma association of your choice
Pay your association's compulsory annual SAS Access Fee and membership fees as they fall due
Notify your association of changes to your name, address, concessional card status (with evidence), or Medicare information(when a new card is received)
Be familiar with your association's ordering policies, including submission deadlines and processing times
Pay any costs not covered by the SAS (e.g. postage and delivery of products)
Only use SAS products for your own personal use
Ordering, Travel & Additional Supplies
Key information about ordering your stoma products.
Regular Ordering
You can order up to 2 months of products at a time, once you have had your stoma for 6 months or more. Each product has a maximum monthly quantity listed on the SAS Schedule.
Travelling Overseas
You can order up to 6 months' supply in advance by providing your association with proof of travel and a completed Application for Additional Supplies — Travel or Remote Location form.
Additional Clinical Supplies
If you need more than the monthly maximum for clinical reasons, your authorised health professional can approve additional supplies using the Application for Additional Supplies — Clinical form. This authorisation lasts 6 months.
Travelling within Australia? You can order supplies from any stoma association using your SAS entitlement number. Living/working in a remote location (including Norfolk Island)? You are eligible to receive 6 months of supplies at a time.
SAS Forms
Download the forms you need for registration, additional supplies and product authorisation.
SAS Application Form (replaces former PB049)
Use this form to apply to access products under the Stoma Appliance Scheme. Both the applicant and the referring medical practitioner or Stomal Therapy Nurse must complete this form. A separate form is required for each stoma.
Application for Additional Supplies — Clinical
Use this form to apply for a temporary increase above the maximum SAS Schedule quantity for clinical reasons. Must be completed by an authorised health professional (STN, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or medical practitioner). Authorisation lasts 6 months.
Application for Additional Supplies — Travel or Remote Location
Use this form when a SAS participant wishes to access additional supplies for overseas travel or because they live/work in a remote location. Proof of travel or remote location must be provided.
Product Authorisation Forms (Restricted Items)
Certain SAS Schedule products require special authorisation from an authorised health professional. These include irrigation kits, cleanser wipes, Tiemann tip catheters, deodorant & absorption gelling sachets, and Peristeen Plus. Your STN or medical practitioner must complete the relevant authorisation form before you can order these products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Stoma Appliance Scheme.
Do I pay for stoma products under the SAS?
Once you have joined the Scheme, you do not pay for subsidised stoma appliances or products listed on the SAS Schedule. However, you are required to pay your stoma association's annual access fee and any postage/handling fees for delivery of your products.
How do I choose a stoma association?
You can join any approved stoma association of your choice. When deciding, consider their annual access fee, payment plans for financial hardship, additional services they offer, their location (for pick-up vs postal delivery), and their postage fees. Your Stomal Therapy Nurse can help you choose.
How often can I order products?
You can order up to 2 months' supply at a time, once you have had your stoma for 6 months or more. Each product on the SAS Schedule has a maximum monthly quantity. If you need more than the maximum for clinical reasons, your health professional can authorise additional supplies.
Can I access the SAS if I hold a DVA card instead of Medicare?
Yes. The SAS accepts a current Medicare number, a Department of Veterans' Affairs entitlement number, an Australian Reciprocal Medicare Card number, or a current passport number if you are a resident of New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.
Can I access the SAS if I hold a DVA card instead of Medicare?
Yes. The SAS accepts a current Medicare number, a Department of Veterans' Affairs entitlement number, an Australian Reciprocal Medicare Card number, or a current passport number if you are a resident of New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.
What if I'm travelling overseas?
If you are travelling overseas, you can order up to 6 months' supply in advance. You will need to provide your association with proof of travel and a completed Application for Additional Supplies — Travel or Remote Location form. Note: products are not supplied under the SAS if you spend more than 6 months overseas.
Who can help me select the right products?
Your Stomal Therapy Nurse (STN) is specifically trained to advise on stoma products and can help identify the most appropriate products for your needs. If you notice you're using more products than the monthly maximum allowance, that's a good indicator you should consult an STN for a review. You can find an STN through the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses.
Find Your Local Stoma Association
Products are ordered and distributed through your registered stoma association.