A fifth of older Australians who contested AI-determined home support funding got more after human review
Summary
Almost 20% of older Australians who asked for a review of their home support funding, which was decided by a computer program, received more help after a human checked their case. The government tool uses questions and an algorithm to decide funding, but it cannot be changed by assessors even if they think a person needs more support.Key Facts
- The integrated assessment tool (IAT) started in November and is used to decide home support funding for older Australians.
- Up to 31 March, 757 requests asked for a review of funding allocated by the IAT.
- Of these, 141 cases resulted in more support or a higher priority after human review.
- 177 cases had no change, 304 were closed, and 135 are still waiting for a decision.
- The algorithm decides funding levels based on health and social questions but cannot be overridden by assessors.
- Some aged care workers and older people say the tool sometimes denies needed care and causes stress.
- The Commonwealth Ombudsman is investigating the tool after criticism that it is unfair.
- Advocates call for more human involvement to ensure older people get fair support.
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