Preparing for Your MASS Application

Getting continence aids through Queensland MASS. Here is what you and your carer need to gather before your appointment — and what happens next.

📋 Source: MASS General Guidelines Version 6.04, February 2025 — Queensland Health — health.qld.gov.au/mass. MASS continence phone: (07) 3136 3665. General: 1300 443 570. This page provides general information only — not medical advice.

⚠️ Queensland MASS only. This guide covers the QLD Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme continence program. MASS is currently under review — verify current requirements at health.qld.gov.au/mass.

What is MASS? The Queensland Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme provides free or subsidised continence products (pads, nappies, catheters, sheaths) to eligible Queenslanders with a permanent condition. You do not pay for the products — they are delivered to your home. Your GP practice or a nurse applies on your behalf.

What to bring to your appointment

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💳 Your concession card
Bring the actual card (both sides). Eligible cards: Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, DVA Pensioner Concession Card, or QLD Government Seniors Card. Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card is not accepted.

📍 Your current home address
MASS sends products to your residential address. If your address has changed recently, let the nurse know.

🏥 Medicare card
Your Medicare number helps verify your identity and eligibility. If you are an existing MASS client, bring your B-number (on your MASS reference card) if you have it.

📝 Know your symptoms
The nurse will ask how often you leak, when it happens (day/night), and how it affects your daily life. Use the symptom guide below to think this through before your appointment.

💾 Current product information (if any)
If you are already using continence products, bring the packaging or note the brand name and size. This helps the nurse prescribe a similar MASS-approved product.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Carer or support person (optional)
A family member, carer, or support person is welcome to attend and can help answer questions. After the first assessment, re-orders every 6 months can be done by the carer without needing a nurse.

💬 What to tell your nurse

The nurse needs to document your symptoms for the application. Think through these questions before your appointment — the more detail you can give, the better the products chosen for you will fit your needs.

How often do you experience leakage?

Does it happen overnight?

What type of leakage?

How does it affect your daily life?

Types of products MASS provides

🟢 Pads and nappies (most common)

Shaped pads, pull-on style pads, all-in-one pads, disposable nappies (for children 5+). The nurse will choose the right absorbency for your level of leakage. These are delivered in boxes every 3 months.

🔵 Reusable products

Washable pants and reusable bed/chair pads. Useful for overnight protection or as a backup. Washed at home — MASS provides the products but not laundry support.

🟡 Catheters and drainage bags

For people who need to drain their bladder using a catheter tube. Includes disposable catheters for self-catheterisation, indwelling catheters, and drainage bags. The nurse will explain how to use these if prescribed.

🟠 Sheaths (men only)

A soft sleeve worn over the penis, connected to a drainage bag. An alternative to a catheter for some men. Available in latex or non-latex.

What happens after the appointment

Nurse submits application via MASS-eApply — usually done during or right after your appointment. You don’t need to do anything.

MASS reviews the application — typically 1–4 weeks. They may contact the nurse if more information is needed.

Products are delivered to your home — by a MASS-approved supplier. You will receive a delivery notice. Make sure your address is current.

Re-order every 6 months — you, your carer, or a family member can re-order without needing to see the nurse again. Call MASS on 1300 443 570 or log in to MASS-eApply.

3-yearly review — every 3 years a nurse or other prescriber will reassess your needs and update the application.

⚠️ Submit re-orders at least 1 month before you run out — late orders cause delays.