- Stoma Appliance Scheme
Your responsibilities as a SAS participant
Joining the SAS gives you free access to subsidised stoma products — but it also comes with six clear responsibilities, set out in the official SAS Operational Guidelines. Knowing them protects your access to the Scheme.
Applicants and Authorised Representatives have six core responsibilities under the Scheme.
These obligations exist so the Scheme can run smoothly, fairly, and sustainably for the ~50,000 Australians who depend on it. Failure to meet them can affect your access to subsidised products.
The Six Responsibilities in Detail
What each obligation actually means in practice — and what it looks like to meet it.
1. Be a financial member of an approved stoma association
You must be — and remain — a paid-up member of one of Australia's approved stoma associations. You can choose any association you like; your STN can help you decide based on services, fees and location.
Tip: You can transfer to another association at any time if your needs change
2. Pay the SAS Access Fee & membership fees on time
Each association charges a compulsory annual SAS Access Fee plus membership fees. These must be paid as they fall due to maintain your access to subsidised products.
3. Notify your association of any personal changes
You must keep your association informed about changes to your circumstances, including:
- Change of name
- Change of address
- Change to Concessional Card status (with evidence)
- Change to Medicare information (e.g. new card)
4. Know your association's ordering policies
Be familiar with your association's policies and procedures for SAS ordering — including when orders must be submitted, processing times, and how long to allow for products to be available for collection or dispatch.
Don't get caught short: Ordering too late can leave you without products. Always check cut-off dates with your association.
5. Pay any costs not covered by the Scheme
The SAS subsidises the products themselves — but not all associated costs. You're responsible for paying any extras, such as postage, handling and delivery fees charged by your association.
6. Use SAS products for your own personal use only
Products supplied through the Scheme are strictly for the personal use of the registered SAS participant. They cannot be sold, traded, gifted, or transferred to another person.
Why it matters: Misuse of SAS-supplied products can result in removal from the Scheme.
Changes you must notify your association about
A closer look at responsibility #3 — the four common life events that need an update.
Name Change
Marriage, deed poll or any other change of legal name.
Address Change
New home address — especially important for postal deliveries.
Concession Status
Any change to your Concessional Card status — supply evidence.
Medicare Update
New Medicare card, expiry, or change of details.
How to notify: Contact your stoma association directly — most accept updates by phone, email, or through their member portal. Keeping these details current ensures your products keep arriving without delay.