We continue our discussions with the Health Funds Associations – Private HealthCare Australia (PHA) & the Australian Regional Health Group (ARHG) – and the individual health funds. At the moment, we are focused on gaining health fund rebates for therapeutic Pilates. This would cover treatment for a condition and does not include Pilates for general wellbeing and fitness. The latter was previously the only form of Pilates that was covered by health funds and is likely to be reincluded in the same format.
At this stage, we anticipate that members at Level 2 Pilates Practitioner and above would be eligible to be providers.
We are awaiting confirmation from the PHA & ARHG as to whether non-RTO graduates will be eligible for health fund rebates. Their position is that whilst they are supportive of recognition of the courses that meet PAA standards, it is possible that some health funds may have specified in their rules that only graduates from RTO courses will be eligible. When we have more information on this, we will be sharing that with our members.
There is still ongoing discussion regarding the required ratio of clients to instructor. We will provide this information when it has been finalised.
There will be some changes to the requirements for PAA membership in order to fulfil the health funds criteria. These include:
- Annual CPR renewal – We have required current “Provide First Aid” and encouraged our members to refresh their CPR annually. Annual CPR renewal will now become a condition of membership.
- Professional Development will change to 20 points per year. We have previously required 20 points over two years. We are reviewing the PDP system to ensure this is not an onerous requirement for PAA members. We are working on a transition plan.
- Meeting any federal, state or territory legislation – this may include Working with Children and Vulnerable People checks, depending on where you work.
- Completion of specific training provided by PHA/ARHG. At this stage, ARHG has two training programs to help providers understand health fund requirements and their audit process. These training courses will be required by members wishing to be recognised by ARHG and will accrue PDP’s.
We have been advised that some health funds are planning on January 1, 2026 as the date they will introduce rebates for therapeutic Pilates, whilst the majority are likely to have April 1, 2026 as their launch date.
It is important that our members prepare for these changes. We suggest:
- Upgrading to level 2 if you have the required hours
- Checking when your CPR will require redoing
- Reviewing your current professional development
- Ensuring you are meeting any other requirements e.g. client record keeping, legislative requirements
We are working on the system changes required for health fund reporting and audits and will advise when you can update your information online.
This has been a long time coming. We continue to advocate for our members whilst ensuring high standards are in place for the protection of the public.
Robyn Rix
President
11 November 2025
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