The South Australian Government is investing $3 million to give laryngectomy patients free access to medical devices.
It’s a first for the state, providing much-needed cost relief for people who have had their larynx (voice box) surgically removed because of cancer or physical trauma.
Around 150 people live with a laryngectomy in South Australia, and an average of 24 laryngectomy procedures are performed annually across the state.
Patients and their families know all too well the significant impact this life-saving procedure can have on ongoing quality of life following recovery, with many patients experiencing irritation and discomfort because of increased exposure to dry and cold air. They have shared their stories and the Government has listened, said Health Minister, Blair Boyer.
“The Malinauskas Government is taking action when it comes to delivering better outcomes for cancer and trauma patients, including people who’ve had life-saving but life-changing procedures like laryngectomies,” said Mr Boyer.
“Laryngectomy patients face huge challenges when it comes to sustaining comfortable and fulfilling lives, so we want to help take some of the pressure off.
“This new scheme will save laryngectomy patients thousands of dollars each year and improve access to crucial devices that help get them through each day.”
The Laryngectomy Consumables Scheme will be available from mid-2026, enabling eligible patients to access devices such as Heat Moisture Exchangers (HMEs), voice prosthesis or electronic voice aids without having to pay for them.
The scheme will also provide relief for patients that have private health insurance, covering any out-of-pocket costs to access these products.
HMEs are small plastic and foam disposable devices that cover a laryngectomy stoma at the base of the neck to warm, filter and humidify air.
These devices can reduce infections, improve communication and quality of life, extend lifespans and ultimately keep patients out of hospital, but need to be replaced up to twice per day and can set patients back an average of $6,000 to $10,000 each year.
The Laryngectomy Consumables Scheme will be available to patients who have received laryngectomies and their associated post-operative care, with devices covered under the scheme to be sourced and provided by speech pathology units and private speech pathologists.
“We are dedicated to improving access to medical consumables for eligible patients who undergo a laryngectomy through the Laryngectomy Subsidy Scheme,” said Department for Health and Wellbeing Commissioning and Performance Deputy Chief Executive, Julienne TePohe.
“Adjusting to life with a stoma can present challenges, and we anticipate that access to this scheme will alleviate concerns related to the costs of consumables such as HMEs.”
Laryngectomy patient, Anthony Charlesworth said he was very pleased with the announcement of a Laryngectomy Consumables Scheme in the state.
“Having access to HMEs will allow me to have a lot more freedom to do the things I want to do,” he said.
“I’ll be able to breathe more easily and quietly, meaning my wife and I can go to places like the cinema and quiet restaurants where we haven’t been able to go for a number of years.”
