The Lowdown on the NDIS Updates: COVID-19
The NDIA is adapting the NDIS to align with government recommendations so both participants and providers are able to weather the storm of the global pandemic.
Our team at Bright Plan Management have their fingers on the pulse of the COVID-19 crisis and have been fielding questions about the most recent changes. We've answered the most common questions to help you navigate these changes.
Has there been an increase in prices?
Yes, a price increase of 10 per cent has been applied to specific supports. This is a temporary measure that came into effect on March 25, 2020.
This measure has been put in place as providers are likely to experience elevated costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This increase applies to:
Assistance with Daily Life (excluding Supported Independent Living)
Assistance with Social and Community Participation
Improved Health and Wellbeing (excluding personal training)
Improved Daily Living Skills
These changes apply for six months. More info can be found in the revised NDIS Price Guide.
I've got a plan review coming up – has this changed?
Yes, plan reviews have changed as well.
If you already have a review scheduled, you'll be contacted by phone or email to undertake your review. During this process, you can discuss having a new plan in place for up to 24 months.
To ensure ongoing funding with no gaps during the pandemic, on the day plans are due to end, they will be automatically extended for another 365 days. This is up from the usual 28-day extensions.
Any changes to cancellations?
Effective from March 25, 2020, participants wishing to cancel a service must give notice of ten business days, rather than two.
If cancelled at short notice, providers will be able to claim 100 per cent of the service fee rather than 90 per cent.
So what does this all mean?
It may seem like the world is in shambles right now, but the NDIA is doing all it can to ensure that the NDIS is still providing extensive support to participants and registered providers.
Even at the best of times, navigating the NDIS can put you in a head spin. The COVID-19 changes are adding to the labyrinth-like system. That's where the team at Bright Plan Management come in. We take the stress and hassle out of your NDIS experience by taking on the responsibility of paying your supports, submitting claims to the NDIS portal and assisting with any NDIS-related issues.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can support you on your NDIS journey.