Better Health Program for F-111 Deseal/Reseal Personnel

What is the Better Health Program?
Am I eligible?
How to Register
For Health Professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
Links to useful sites
Contact us

What is the Better Health Program?

The Better Health Program has been developed for former participants of the Royal Australian Air Force F-111 aircraft maintenance programs. It is a voluntary GP-based program that provides participants with:

Cancer Screening - Provides early detection for colorectal cancer and melanoma. Your GP will be the central point of communication for you to access the screening procedures; and
Health Information and Disease Prevention – Promotes a healthy lifestyle by providing information on health conditions including erectile dysfunction, depression and anxiety.

The Flow Chart shows a graphical description of the Better Health Program processes.

The Participant Information Sheet provides more information on the health conditions included in the Better Health Program.

Am I eligible?

The Better Health Program is open to individuals who are:
- SHOAMP Health Care Scheme Group 1 participants; and
- All individuals eligible for an ex-gratia F-111 lump sum payment.

If you have any queries about your eligibility, please contact the F-111 Help Line on 1800 728 007.

How to Register

If you are a SHOAMP Health Care Scheme Group 1 participant or are eligible for an ex-gratia F-111 lump sum payment, you can register for the Better Health Program by completing the registration form and sending it to:
Better Health Program
PO Box 21
Woden ACT 2606

Once you have mailed in your registration form, you will receive a pack including:

information on the health conditions;
a letter of authority providing proof of your eligibility in the Better Health Program (this should be presented at medical consultations); and
a GP Information Pack to take to the initial GP consultation.

For Health Professionals

GPs will receive a GP Information Pack from participants. This information pack provides information and guidelines to assist in carrying out the Better Health Program procedures. The information pack includes:

GP Advice Sheet – contains information on the GP's role and the payment processes
Flow chart – details the Better Health Program’s procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it a GP-based program?
It is usual for people to access health screening through their GP and be referred to a Specialist if necessary.

A GP-based program has the following advantages:

participants can access all screening services through their own GP;
it provides participants with long-term arrangements and continuity of care; and
the GP will be in a position to recommend appropriate treatment options, if a positive screening outcome occurs.

What happens if I have a positive diagnosis?
If you are diagnosed with a condition as detected through screening, you should consult your GP for advice on treatment options. In addition, if you believe that a diagnosed condition relates to your involvement in the F-111 aircraft maintenance programs, you should lodge a compensation claim with the appropriate authority (DVA, WorkCover Queensland or Comcare).

Does the Program pay for treatment?
The Better Health Program does not pay for any treatment that may be recommended as a result of a positive screen.

What treatment options are available through DVA?
If you are diagnosed with a condition and require treatment, please talk to your local Veterans' Affairs Network (VAN) office regarding the options that may be available to you.

Contact details for the VAN offices are available at http://www.dva.gov.au/contacts/van.htm.

Why are there two health programs - the SHOAMP Health Care Scheme and the Better Health Program?
Different arrangements apply to each Program. The SHOAMP Health Care Scheme provides treatment for Group 1 personnel who have lodged compensation claims prior to 20 September 2005 for their involvement in F-111 aircraft maintenance programs.

The Better Health Program aims to provide participants with cancer screening, health information and disease prevention strategies in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. No treatment is provided under the Better Health Program.

What if I am already receiving treatment for conditions covered in the Program?
If you are already receiving treatment for colorectal cancer, melanoma, erectile dysfunction, depression or anxiety (ie, through Gold Card, White Card or the SHOAMP Health Care Scheme), you should continue with these current arrangements.

However, you are able to access screening through the Better Health Program for any Program-related conditions for which you are not currently receiving treatment.

When will the Program commence ?
The Better Health Program has now commenced. If you have already registered with the Better Health Program, you will shortly receive an information pack detailing how to access the Program.

If you have not already registered, please send the registration form to:

Better Health Program
PO Box 21
Woden ACT 2606

Links to useful sites

Contact us

If you require further information on the Program or would like to provide feedback, you can contact the Better Health Program by:

Phone: 1800 728 007 between 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

Website: http://www.dva.gov.au/adf/health/F-111.htm

Email: dva_bhp@dva.gov.au

Address:
Better Health Program
PO Box 21
Woden ACT 2606