IHACPA Draft Work Program 2026-27 Open for Input

Everyone with an interest in our work is invited to provide feedback on the activities proposed for the year ahead.

The annual work program sets out our objectives, activities and expected outcomes. The activities are shaped through engagement with the Pricing Authority, advisory committees, working groups and public consultation. This ensures our forward work aligns with stakeholder priorities and supports transparency, efficiency and sustainability across the health and aged care sectors.

The new addendum to the National Health Reform Agreement 2026-2031 has now been finalised. It introduces reforms that require IHACPA to undertake additional work. We will review and update the Work Program 2026-27 before we release it to ensure it reflects these requirements.

Key activities in the draft program include:

Public hospitals

• Starting multi-year reviews into the costs and pricing of care for First Nations peoples and for services delivered in rural and remote areas and smaller jurisdictions
• Implementing recommendations from the Cost Bucket Review and the National Hospital Cost Data Collection Independent Financial Review 2023-24
• Undertaking a project to understand the costs of delivering radiation oncology services

Aged care

• Completing a feasibility study and providing advice to inform Australian Government decisions on funding for required everyday living services
• Assessing the funding model and providing advice to the Australian Government on the Multi-Purpose Services Program and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
• Working with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to refine the Aged Care Financial Report and the Quarterly Financial Report

Public consultation is open from Tuesday 17 March to 5pm AEST Monday 20 April 2026.

You can read the draft program and make a submission through our engagement hub.