Thriving Kids and a new Medicare Healthy Kids Check

Thriving Kids is a new program commencing in October 2026 providing early intervention services for children aged 0-8yrs with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs.

As a part of the Thriving Kids initiative, a Medicare-funded 3-year-old health check will be introduced from 1 November 2026 (subject to the passage of legislation).

The first three years are critical for child development, with most developmental milestones expected to be reached during this period.

With more than one in five children showing at least one developmental vulnerability by age three, the new health check creates a valuable opportunity for early recognition, support, and intervention.

The service will support GPs and Prescribed Medical Practitioners (PMPs) to assess the child’s physical, social and emotional development, health and wellbeing.

This assessment will identify children who may require additional supports, including monitoring and interventions in primary care settings, referral to appropriate supports (including Thriving Kids supports) or further assessment when required.

More information:

Thriving Kids Factsheet

Medicare Healthy Kids Check – MBS Factsheet