Step Forward has been established in USA since 1974. Step Forward Orthotics are still made only in USA, and exported to many countries around the world. This web-site is for Australia. For other countries, go to our international page.
	HEALTH INSURANCE

Health Insurance & Compensation

Step Forward Orthotics are a medical device with enormous benefits. Although they have been available in the USA for well over 30 years, they arrived in Australia only in 2004. Most health insurance funds and government departments developed their rules long before they were aware of the Step Forward approach.

Whether or not you can claim a benefit from your health fund or other organisation is a matter between you and them. We suggest you apply for a refund. If they reject your claim then we suggest you write a letter to the Manager of Ancillary Benefits (or equivalent) of your fund or of the agency, asking them to change their policy. Unfortunately, many of these organisations seek their advice only from podiatrists, and close their eyes to alternative methodologies.

Step Forward Orthotics is the Australian office for Step Forward Co in the USA. We are the manufacturer and we supply and train the doctors, chiropractors, therapists, etc. When you buy from us, you are buying direct from the manufacturer. As such we have not been issued a 'provider number' by the health insurance funds or agencies.

However, even if you cannot get any compensation or refund, be aware that Step Forward Orthotics work out to only about $25 per year over their typical life.

Health Insurance Funds

The following information is provided to the best of our knowledge, but is subject to confirmation by each fund and subject to change. Also please note that benefits also depend upon your level of cover and any previous claims already made.

Australian Unity
Australian Unity has confirmed to us in writing that they will pay benefits for Step Forward Orthotics, provided:
a) your ancillary cover includes orthotics,
b) you have a referral from a registered medical practitioner, chiropractor or occupational therapist, and
c) the referral is dated before the date of the invoice.
We have been verbally advised (Sep 08) that our Provider Number is 21036902 and that the referral letter can also be from a physiotherapist or an osteopath.

Medibank Private
Medibank Private has confirmed to us in writing that they will pay benefits under either of two situations:
a) our detailed receipt is sufficient when claiming from your Package Bonus, and/or
b) our detailed receipt along with a prescription from a registered medical practitioner, chiropractor, physiotherapist or osteopath when claiming as orthotics.
We understand that:
The HiCaps Item Number is F240 (a preformed orthotic) and can be found in the “podo” section.
Benefit is 80% or 60% or nil, according to level of cover, etc.
Package Bonus may be used to top up the benefit.
They use generic provider numbers for processing, as follows;

NSW - 0990501X 
VIC - 0990511W 
QLD - 0990521T 
SA - 0990531L 
WA 0990541K 
TAS - 0990551J 
NT - 0990561H

GMHBA
GMHBA have confirmed to us verbally that they will pay benefits under the "Connect Rewards" package providing you have a letter from your local doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath.
We understand that:
Their item numbers VF267 and/or VF221 may be applicable with any claim paid.

HBF
HBF have not replied to us in any form.
However, we have been told by some HBF members that they have had a benefit paid.

HCF
HCF have not replied to us in writing.
However, we understand that:
They will pay a benefit provided you have a letter from a doctor.
The item number is T435.

MBF
MBF have confirmed to us verbally that they will pay benefits providing you have a letter from your local doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, occupational therapist or osteopath.
We understand that:
Their item number is 565.
The benefit is approximately $80 per pair if you have the right level of cover.
MBF was recently acquired by BUPA and is currently under reorganisation. They have refused to allow us to present Step Forward to them for consideration of improved benefits.

HBA & Mutual Community
HBA have confirmed to us in writing that they will not pay benefits on Step Forward Orthotics.
Please note that:
Both these funds are now owned by BUPA, the giant UK-based health fund.
Health insurance funds offer portability of benefits and you are free to take your health cover to a more obliging insurer. Check the specifics of this with each health fund before transferring.

NIB
NIB have not replied to us in any form.
However, we have been told by some NIB members that they have had a benefit paid.

We have had no confirmation from any health fund except as stated above. Please do not rely on a rebate from your health fund when buying Step Forward Orthotics. If you manage to get a rebate, treat that as a bonus. You are buying our orthotics as a long-term health care aid.

Government Agencies

DVA - Department of Veteran Affairs
We have had no formal discussions with DVA, but understand that this will be a long and difficult road. It entails having our products supplied through a limited number of providers who win that right by periodical tender. In Victoria, there are five such organisations, none of whom are stockists of Step Forward. We regret that you will be unable to get any assistance from DVA in the purchase of your Step Forward orthotics.

WorkCover (or similar)
We have had no formal discussions with any of the state-based WorkCover or other worker compensation schemes. We regret that it is unlikely that you will be unable to get any assistance from these agencies in the purchase of your Step Forward orthotics.

Transport Accident Commission (or similar)
We have had no formal discussions with any of the state-based transport or motor agencies. We regret that it is unlikely that you will be unable to get any assistance from these agencies in the purchase of your Step Forward orthotics.

Other Sources

Salvation Army
We understand that the Salvation Army has paid for Step Forward Orthotics to assist certain individuals involved in their work placement program. This is similar to them paying for work boots and other aids. However, we don't have any documentary evidence of this yet, nor do we suggest you have any expectations in this area.

Employers
We have a growing number of employers who have purchased Step Forward Orthotics for their employees, as they recognise this not only as a benefit to the employee but also to the productivity and morale of their work force. Reduction of lost days alone make this an attractive program. We recommend you approach your employer with such a request.