Patients with chronic disease management plans under private health insurance could soon claim rebates for nurse practitioner consultations under a Federal Government proposal.

Currently, patients can use their private health insurance (PHI) to fund chronic disease care from 14 types of health professional, from audiologists to podiatrists, if they have a management plan.

The proposed changes, put out for consultation this week, would add nurse practitioners, credentialled mental health nurses and a small number of GP practice nurses in remote areas to the list.

“The proposed expansion aims to address existing gaps in mental health care accessibility and encourage comprehensive coverage for individuals seeking support within the PHI system,” the consultation paper says.