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NDIS Changes from October 3: What Participants and Providers Need to Know
Big changes are coming to the NDIS starting October 3, 2024, and these updates are designed to improve the experience for participants while streamlining processes for providers. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new:
For Participants:
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New Eligibility and Assessment Processes: How you access the NDIS and what assessments are needed will change. This includes clearer definitions for what supports can be funded, focusing strictly on impairments listed in your access request.
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Plan Budgets: Instead of individual line items, plans will now have a total budget amount. This makes it easier to track your overall funding and ensure it lasts for the full plan period. All new plans from October 3 will be for 12 months, though longer plans may return later.
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Spending Rules: A new definition of NDIS-funded supports will clarify what you can and can’t use your funding for. The NDIS will notify participants when this is finalised.
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Plan Management: If your funding isn’t being used as outlined, the NDIS can step in and change how your plan is managed, whether you self-manage or use a plan manager.
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Claims Deadline: Claims must be made within two years of providing the support. This helps keep everyone on track with timely reporting and ensures supports are funded efficiently.
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Impairment Notices: Starting January 2025, new participants will receive an impairment notice as part of their approval, confirming their disability and support needs. Existing participants will receive theirs when transitioning to new plans.
For Providers:
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Changes in Plan Management: Providers need to stay on top of new plan structures and help participants manage their total budgets effectively. This shift toward total funded supports means more flexibility but also more responsibility for providers to guide participants in using their funds efficiently.
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New Claims and Payments Framework: Providers must submit claims within the two-year window and follow the new rules on excluded services. Understanding the transition is crucial to ensure that services are properly billed.
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Adjusting to New Definitions: Providers need to familiarise themselves with the new definition of NDIS supports to ensure that services offered align with what’s fundable under participants' plans.
What This Means:
These changes aim to give participants more control over their plans, making it easier to understand funding and manage supports. For providers, it’s essential to adapt to the new frameworks and processes to continue delivering high-quality services while remaining compliant with the new NDIS rules.
Stay informed and be ready for these updates! For more detailed information, you can check out the official NDIS page here.
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