Mitochondrial disease (mito) can affect day-to-day life in many ways. There are supports in Australia that may help you at home, at school, at work, and in the community.
This page is an overview. You can jump to the section that fits you.
Looking for payments or concessions?
This page focuses on practical supports and pathways. If you are looking for payments, concession cards, or state-based concessions, use these pages:
GP visits, bulk billing, and care plans
GP planning and referrals that may help coordinate care.
Housing, equipment, and home changes
Pathways for home modifications and assistive technology.
Travel and parking support
There are supports available to assist you with travel and parking.
Finding practical supports
There are different pathways for support in Australia. Many people use more than one.
These supports can include help at home, therapy, equipment, education supports, carer support, and advocacy.
On this page, you'll find:
Supports by life stage
Children may be able to access support through health and education services. Even if they don’t have an NDIS plan. This may include:
- Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI): available through the NDIS for children under 9 with developmental delay or disability. ECEI can include therapy, support coordination, and connecting to local services.
- Education rights and supports: programs through schools that help children take part in learning, such as adjustments in the classroom or extra learning support.
- An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can support your child’s development and independence. They can recommend equipment, changes at home or school, and help your child with movement, play or everyday tasks. Find a health professional who has knowledge of mito in our Mito Professionals Directory.
If you’re unsure about the supports available, a GP, child health nurse, or early intervention service can help guide you. You can also speak with a local NDIS partner, who can connect you with community services or government supports, even if you’re not eligible for the NDIS. Find your local NDIS partner.
Disability Gateway
Disability Gateway is a national service that helps people find information and connect with support.
It covers a wide range of topics like employment, health, transport, equipment, and housing in your area.
You can search by topic or call the helpline to speak with someone who can point you in the right direction.
NDIS Support
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports some people under 65 with a disability. It may fund supports that help with daily life and goals.
Learn more and access the free, Mito Foundation NDIS Navigation Service for resources, education and one-on-one guidance.
Disability advocacy
An advocate may support you if you are having trouble accessing services, or if you feel your rights are not being respected. Advocacy may also help with complaints and reviews.
Many advocacy services are funded through the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP).
When an advocate may help
An advocate may help if you feel stuck, not listened to, or unsure about your rights. They may support communication with services.
Carer support
Caring for someone with mito can be demanding. Support may be available, even if you do not receive a carer payment.
Carer Gateway may help with:
- information and practical support
- counselling and coaching
- respite pathways
- planning for emergencies.
GP visits, bulk billing, and care plans
Bulk billing
Some GP appointments may be bulk billed, which means you do not pay a fee for the service because Medicare pays the cost directly to the GP. Not all practices offer bulk billing for all appointments. For more information and to find a bulk-billing service near you, visit: Medicare - Bulk billing.
GP chronic condition management plans and allied health
You may be able to access a GP chronic condition management plan through Medicare. This is a plan your GP can prepare with you to support care for one or more long-term health conditions.
If it suits your needs, this plan may also support referrals to allied health (for example physiotherapy, dietetics, or exercise physiology). Eligibility rules apply. Your GP can explain what is available for your situation.
If you already had a GP Management Plan and or Team Care Arrangement before 1 July 2025, you may still be able to use it for a period of time. Your GP can advise what applies now.
Medicare
Medicare helps cover the cost of many health services in Australia. Some people still have out-of-pocket costs.
If you have Medicare, you can get care as a public patient in a public hospital. Access and waiting times can vary.
You can apply for a Medicare card through Services Australia, if you don’t already have one.
Medicare and genetic testing
Medicare may cover some genetic tests for suspected mitochondrial disease. Eligibility criteria apply, and the request usually needs to come from a specialist.
Reducing out-of-pocket costs
Even with Medicare, health costs can add up. These options may help some people. Rules can change.
These programs may help to reduce costs:
- PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme): Lowers the cost of many prescription medicines.
- PBS Safety Net: Once your prescription medicine costs reach a set amount, your medicine will be cheaper for the rest of the year.
- Medicare Safety Net: Once your out-of-pocket medical costs reach a certain amount in a year, Medicare will give you a higher rebate for future services.
Families can combine costs to reach the safety net sooner. Ask your pharmacist for a Prescription Record Form to help track your PBS medicines.
For more information about payments, concession cards, and detailed eligibility.
Housing, equipment, and home changes
Some people benefit from equipment or changes at home that support safety and independence. Such as:
- finding accessible housing
- making changes to your home, like installing ramps or grab rails.
These supports might be available through the NDIS, My Aged Care, or state-based services.
- If you are looking for housing information, Disability Gateway has a housing section.
- If you are an NDIS participant, the NDIS also explains home and living support options.
Learn more about disability housing   Learn more about home modifications
Travel and parking support
If you live in a rural or remote area, you might need to travel long distances to get the care you need. Each state and territory has a Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS). These programs may help with the cost of travel and accommodation for medical appointments.
Disability Parking Permits
You may be eligible for an Australian Disability Parking Permit through the Australian Disability Parking Scheme (ADPS).
Helps find rebates, discounts, and support by Australian state governments.
My Health Record
My Health Record is a secure online summary of your health information. You choose what goes in your record and who can see it. It helps health providers share important information so you can get the care you need.
Contact us
Call Mito Foundation's Helpline for more information or assistance on
Please note the Helpline is available Monday to Friday, excluding NSW public holidays.
Immediate support
If you or someone you know needs emergency assistance, please call emergency services on
Mental health support
This page shares information and resources to help you find mental health support that works for you.
Disclaimer: Resources provided by the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Limited (Mito Foundation), offers general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. It is essential to assess the suitability of the content for your individual circumstances and make decisions based on your medical condition. The information’s accuracy is subject to change, and we do not guarantee ongoing currency or availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, Mito Foundation is not obligated to provide updated information. The copyright for this document and its content belongs to, or is licensed to, Mito Foundation, and reproduction without prior written consent is prohibited.
Author: Mito Foundation
Version: 2.1
Date published: 10 July 2025
Last update: 30 April 2026
