MSD Price Change FAQs
FAQs regarding the latest MSD Price Change and your St John Medical Alarm. If you currently have a St John Medical Alarm funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), you will have received a letter from us detailing this change, taking effect from 7 December 2026.
Do I need to do anything?
If you pay by Automatic Payment, please call your bank to update your payment amount. You can also do this online through your banking app. The new pricing applies to any payments scheduled from 7 December 2026.
If you pay by Direct Debit, there is nothing you need to do. You don’t need to call the bank to adjust your payments, we’ll do this for you.
If MSD is paying for your medical alarm via a Redirection payment, they will confirm your individual circumstances and any possible impacts on your Disability Allowance entitlement and take care of this change for you.
When will MSD let me know about my Disability Allowance adjustment?
MSD will contact all clients after 1 December 2026 to confirm your individual circumstances and any possible impacts on your Disability Allowance entitlement.
What is the maximum disability allowance?
$82.85 per week. This is reviewed annually on 1 April.
I have a query around my Disability Allowance who do I contact?
For queries regarding your Disability Allowance, visit MyMSD online at my.msd.govt.nz for more information. You can find your login details on your Community Services Card or Super Gold card.
Alternatively, you can call either:
- 0800 559 009 [General Enquiries] or
- 0800 552 002 [NZ Superannuation]
Why has there been another price increase so soon after the last one?
We understand this increase comes only a short time after the previous price change.
Following the recent extension of our contract with MSD, this adjustment reflects the rising costs of providing our Medical Alarm service, including equipment, technology, maintenance and ongoing service delivery. The increase will help ensure we can continue providing a reliable, high-quality service for the people who depend on it.
We're pleased to confirm there will be no further price increase for the next two years.
Are price increases only applicable for Medical Alarms provided by Hato Hone St John?
All New Zealand MSD accredited Medical Alarm suppliers have negotiated price adjustments for a two-year period.
For more information on St John Medical Alarms click here.