Medicare, aged care and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are all key parts of Australians’ lives. But for the federal government, each of these areas – especially growing demand and rising costs – remains a challenge.

In a bid to costs, last week the Minister for Health, Ageing, Disability and the NDIS Mark Butler announced changes to how children with mild to moderate developmental delay or mild autism, currently eligible for the NDIS, will be treated.

But parents and advocates are concerned about children falling through the gaps, especially after the new Thriving Kids program is rolled out.

Butler joined us on the podcast to talk about health issues facing Australians from childhood to aged care, including how the government’s vaping ban is working.

On NDIS reform, Butler said he wanted to get the states moving on offering different support for children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism.

This was a recommendation from the independent NDIS review that there should be a different system for children with mild to moderate needs. And that was a recommendation accepted by National Cabinet way........

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