MAC IDs in DEX: What CHSP providers must do before 30 June 2026
If you deliver CHSP services, you already know the reporting requirements never stop growing. Here's the latest: recording your clients' My Aged Care IDs (MAC IDs) in the Data Exchange (DEX) is now law — not just best practice.
The Aged Care Act 2024 made it mandatory from 1 January 2026. The Department is already monitoring compliance through monthly submissions. And the hard deadline is coming fast.
From 30 June 2026, DEX won't accept client data without a MAC ID. No MAC ID, no submission, no payment.
Here's what's changed, what's coming next, and what you can do right now.
Why MAC IDs matter more than ever
If you've been following our coverage of DEX changes from 1 July 2025, you'll know that linking every service to a MAC ID has been a core CHSP reporting requirement.
What's changed is the stakes. MAC IDs aren't a reporting preference any more — they're a legislative requirement. The Department needs to verify that every funded CHSP service goes to a registered, approved client.
The bottom line for your organisation: clients without a MAC ID in DEX won't have payments processed after 30 June 2026.
Even a handful of missing MAC IDs could mean payment delays or compliance flags — right when you can least afford them.
What changed on 1 January 2026
The Department confirmed in their February 2026 DEX Update that Stage 2 changes went live in December 2025.
Since 1 January 2026:
- MAC IDs in every DEX client record are mandatory for all CHSP providers
- The Department has been monitoring monthly, starting with January data (due 14 February)
- DEX still allows submissions without MAC IDs for now — but that's a temporary grace period only
The message is clear: start collecting MAC IDs now, not later.
The 30 June 2026 hard deadline
This isn't a soft target. From 30 June, DEX will enforce MAC IDs at the system level. Submissions without them simply won't go through.
The Department has committed to advance notice before the technical change. But with May already here, that window is narrow.
Haven't started auditing your client records yet? Now's the time.
What you need to do before 30 June
1. Find out who's missing a MAC ID
This is the most urgent step. You can't fix what you haven't found.
Go through your client records and identify anyone without a MAC ID. If you're managing dozens — or hundreds — of clients, doing this manually takes time you probably don't have.
If you're on Comm.care, there's a faster way. Head to Organisation → Circles, filter by your CHSP (DEX) service under Roadmap services, then set Participant → MAC ID to Blank. You'll see only the clients who still need one — ready to follow up.
2. Collect and record the missing MAC IDs
For each client without a MAC ID on file, you'll need to obtain it and enter it into their DEX record. MAC IDs are assigned when a client registers through My Aged Care.
No MAC ID at all? That client may need to be registered through the My Aged Care portal first.
3. Check your software configuration
If your organisation uses bulk file uploads or system-to-system uploads for DEX, make sure your software includes MAC IDs in every session record. Updated technical specs are on the DEX Training Resources page.
Comm.care user? Our team can help you check your setup — reach out at team@comm.care.
4. Review the DEX Stage 2 Toolkit
The Stage 1 and Stage 2 Toolkits are still available on the CHSP Resources page for 2025–26. They've got practical guidance on meeting the MAC ID requirement in your reporting workflow.
What's coming next: Stage 3 DEX changes
Looking beyond 30 June, Stage 3 changes are on the horizon.
Stage 3 entered the DEX Staging Environment on 23 February 2026. It's expected to go live around August 2026.
Good news: the scope has been reduced from what was originally proposed in October 2024. The Department scaled it back to:
- Align with the Aged Care Act 2024 and Aged Care Rules 2025
- Avoid placing unnecessary admin burden on providers
- Focus on capturing meaningful data for future funding decisions
The big focus? Capturing the hidden costs of CHSP service delivery — giving the Department a clearer picture of what it actually takes to run these services. That's a step in the right direction for providers who've long felt the funding doesn't reflect reality.
Full guidance for 2025–2027 DEX requirements will be published in the last quarter of 2025–26.
Not using the DEX Staging Environment? You don't need to. But if you're a software provider building bulk or system-to-system uploads, review the updated specs now.
Getting your team ready
We know auditing client records sounds straightforward — until you're juggling it alongside service delivery, rostering, and everything else on your plate.
That's why we built the MAC ID Filter into Comm.care. Two steps: filter your Circles by CHSP (DEX) service, set MAC ID to Blank. You'll instantly see who still needs one.
It's a small thing, but it means your team can spend their time following up with clients — not hunting through spreadsheets.
See how the MAC ID filter works →
FAQ
What happens if a client doesn't have a MAC ID by 30 June?
DEX won't accept their record. That means you can't report services delivered to them, which directly affects payment processing. The sooner you identify gaps, the less likely you are to hit issues at the deadline.
What if my client doesn't have a My Aged Care ID at all?
They'll need to be registered through My Aged Care first. The Department has said it will work with providers during 2025–2027 to get all clients registered — but with the deadline approaching, it's best not to wait.
Do I need to use the DEX Staging Environment for Stage 3?
Only if your organisation or software provider builds bulk file or system-to-system uploads. If you submit through the web portal, you don't need to worry about staging. Stage 3 is expected to go live around August 2026.
Sources: Department of Health and Aged Care — CHSP DEX Implementation Update February 2026, My Aged Care, DEX Training Resources