National Disability Insurance Scheme Delivers Increased Pricing to Support People With Complex Needs

CANBERRA, Australia, Dec. 10 -- The Australian Department of Social Services' Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services issued the following news release:

People with disability with complex support needs are set to benefit from improved support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher today announced new pricing arrangements under the $22 billion scheme.

"The pricing increase recognises that people with complex needs require higher levels of skilled supports in their NDIS plans," Mr Fletcher said.

"The pricing changes will convert a two tiered pricing system for self-care, social and recreational support to three tiers from 1 February next year.

"The changes will also link pricing controls to the skill level of the worker who delivers the support.

"The additional third tier of care for very complex needs support will attract a new loading of 10.3 per cent.

"In addition, a Temporary Support for Overheads loading of 2.5 per cent will be extended in application to Levels 2 and 3.

"These changes underscore the Liberal-National Government's efforts to build an agile, competitive market under the NDIS," Mr Fletcher said

Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson said the new three-level system reflects the findings of the NDIA led pilot program on pricing that engaged providers from states and territories.

"These pricing increases were also informed by consultation with 1000 stakeholders as part of an Independent Pricing Review, including participants, providers and peak representative bodies.

"In addition, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will test with providers in the coming months a new pricing structure for both therapists and therapy assistants.

"Consistent with previous years the NDIA will also consider the impact of the Equal Remuneration Order increases on 1 December as part of its Annual Price Review," Ms Henderson said.

The NDIA has also commenced a WA Market Review that will consider whether current pricing in WA takes adequate account of local circumstances, noting WA had not joined the national scheme when the Independent Pricing Review was undertaken in 2017.