Te Whatu Ora clarification of measles guidance for frontline healthcare services

Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has provided further clarification of guidance for frontline healthcare services regarding testing of people presenting with symptoms consistent with measles. This guidance is applicable at all times, including during an outbreak.

Eligibility for funded services

Category B23 of the Health and Disability Services Eligibility Direction 2011 enables people not normally eligible for publicly funded healthcare to receive funded services if they have or are suspected of having an infectious disease.

Under this direction, people who are suspected or confirmed to have an infectious disease can receive publicly funded services that reduce or prevent the spread of the disease.  It does not allow for funded services such as antiviral treatment where this does not affect disease transmission.  

As Measles is an infectious disease, this direction is applicable. Measles is highly infectious, and cases are infectious before they develop any symptoms. Close contacts of measles cases can be considered suspected cases and will be eligible for publicly funded services under this category, to protect public health and limit the spread of the disease. 

General practice patients and charges

GP consultation fees will still apply i.e. co-payments, however, testing related to the infectious disease would be fully funded. 

Patients can also check the Healthpoint website, or the website of their usual healthcare provider, for more details about co-payments and charges. 

Key points

If a patient is suspected of having measles

• Testing for measles is funded for all close contacts.
• Testing for measles is funded for anyone presenting with symptoms where a health professional suspects measles (regardless of whether they are a close contact).
• They cannot be charged for measles testing as they are eligible for publicly funded healthcare under Category B23 as measles is an infectious disease.
• GP consultation fees still apply. 

It’s essential that those providing care for people with suspected measles have a clear understanding of the funded eligibility requirements. This should be clearly communicated to patients to help avoid any confusion or unexpected charges. 

Information on eligibility criteria to access publicly funded health services in Aotearoa New Zealand can be found here: Get publicly funded health services.