Published 02 June 2026
At GMHBA, we’re proud to support our members not just during a hospital stay, but throughout their recovery at home. As a member-driven not-for-profit health fund, our focus is on making sure you feel supported at every stage of your health journey.
For some members, recovery doesn’t end when they leave hospital. It might be someone living with a chronic condition, like diabetes, who has just had surgery and needs extra support at home. Or someone who is usually independent but temporarily needs help with daily tasks while they recover.
This is where GMHBA’s Care Coordination Services (CCS) can make a real difference, helping connect members with the care and support they need after they leave hospital.
Hospital stays, what comes next?
It's common to feel unsure about what happens after returning home from hospital. Studies published in the BMC Health Services Research journal shows that gaps in discharge planning are experienced by around 41% of hospital patients, highlighting how challenging the transition from hospital to home can be. Many patients also report communication gaps and information overload during discharge, which can lead to stress and confusion about next steps, as highlighted in research from PLOS ONE.
How Care Coordination Services can support your recovery
GMHBA’s CCS is delivered by a team of registered nurses who help coordinate post-hospital care for eligible members with complex recovery needs.
CCS helps people navigate life after leaving hospital by providing support, information and access to health services that enhance recovery. The service is designed to:
- Support members with chronic disease
- Assist members to navigate the healthcare system
- Reduce the risk and incidence of avoidable hospital admissions
- Support members to improve their health and wellbeing
At its core, CCS aims to reduce hospital readmissions following a stay and get you back on your feet faster.
10 years of CCS
Since 2016, the Care Coordination Service (CCS) has supported around 2,500 members. Over this time, more than 37,000 services have been delivered to people with chronic conditions who need extra support after leaving hospital, with a customer satisfaction score of over 95%.
These results reflect the real difference coordinated care can make during recovery. By providing practical support, personalised guidance and connection to local services, CCS helps members feel more confident navigating life after hospital.
How does CCS work?
If you're a GMHBA member with hospital cover and a diagnosed chronic condition, you may be eligible* for additional short-term support at no extra cost. Eligibility depends on factors such as your age and recent hospital admissions, with different programs designed to suit different recovery needs.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Care coordination and weekly phone check-ins
- Nursing support
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Personal care (e.g. showering and dressing assistance)
- Meal delivery
- Domestic assistance
- Short-term equipment hire
Our research shows private health insurance members value proactive guidance and support during their hospital journey, but satisfaction across the industry in this area remains lower, highlighting the importance of services like care coordination.
Care coordination programs
GMHBA offers two Care Coordination Service programs for eligible* members. These programs are designed to support a smooth transition from hospital to home.
The Essentials Care Coordination Service provides targeted care coordination and allied health support for members aged 18 and over. This two to four-week program supports those who need short-term help after leaving hospital, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy.
The standard Care Coordination Service is designed for members aged 55 and over who have chronic conditions and frequent hospital stays. This more comprehensive six to eight-week program focuses on helping members regain independence at home.
How do I access CCS and learn if I’m eligible?
During your hospital stay, your clinical team, such as your doctor, hospital staff or allied health professional, can refer you to the service. After a referral is made, a member of the Care Coordination Service team will contact you to understand your needs and help create a personalised care plan.
If you are a GMHBA member with any level of hospital cover and a diagnosed chronic condition, you may be eligible for CCS. Eligibility also depends on factors such as your age and hospital admission history, with different programs designed to suit different needs.
Want to learn more?
If you would like to learn more about CCS, you can visit our Care Coordination Services webpage for answers to common questions and a closer look at how the service may support your recovery. In the meantime, below are the top three most frequently asked questions:
How do I access CCS?
Eligible* members can access the Care Coordination Service (CCS) through a referral from their clinical team during a hospital stay. The treating team will work directly with CCS nurses to arrange this.
At the moment, we’re unable to accept referrals directly from members. However, if you are interested and may be eligible, you can:
- Speak with your discharge planner or nurse while you’re in hospital
- Email the team at ccs@gmhba.com.au
- Submit a contact form via the website so the CCS team can follow up
- Call CCS on 1300 426 668
Do I have to pay for CCS?
The Care Coordination Service is fully funded for eligible GMHBA members with hospital cover. There’s no additional cost to access the service, and it won’t impact your premium.
What classifies as a chronic disease?
A chronic condition is a health condition or illness that is ongoing or long-term. These conditions often develop over time and may require ongoing management rather than short-term treatment.
Preparing for your hospital stay
Our Step-By-Step Guide to Going to Hospital can help you feel more prepared for your stay. It includes information about what you’re covered for, how costs and claiming work, and the steps to take before you go.
During your stay, your specialist will provide recovery instructions and let you know who to contact if you have any concerns. We recommend asking any questions before you leave, so you feel confident about your next steps, including whether you may be eligible for and benefit from CCS.
Other supports for GMHBA members
If you aren’t eligible for CCS, there are still a range of support options available through GMHBA that you may be eligible for, including:
Osara Health Cancer Coach
Education, support and behaviour change programs designed to help people with cancer feel more in control of their care and improve outcomes.
Healthier Heart
A digital cardiac rehabilitation program delivered in partnership with Cardihab, tailored to individual needs.
Wellbeing 4Life
Structured mental wellbeing support designed to complement care from a GP or other health professionals.
Healthy Weight For Life
A program delivered with Prima Health Solutions, focused on achieving sustainable, long-term health and wellbeing outcomes.
GMHBA with Kieser
Targeted exercise programs to help prevent or delay certain surgeries, including support for hip, knee and spinal conditions.
Nourish Baby (+Baby Program)
Specialised support during pregnancy, early parenting and beyond.
Supporting someone through recovery?
You don’t have to be the patient to benefit from this information. If you’re caring for a family member or loved one, it’s important to look after your own wellbeing too. You can explore our resources and find support that works for you.
*Eligibility is based on an active GMHBA membership status, hospital cover, age, diagnosis and hospital admission history. For full eligibility requirements please see the program specifics below or contact our Care Coordination Services team on 1300 426 668.
