Increased NDIS Funding Proposed For Those With More Complex Needs
It was announced on Tuesday, 11th December that what was previously a two tiered pricing system for self-care, social and recreational support would be expanded to three tiers. This newly introduced tier, will focus only on people with very complex needs and will attract a new funding loading of 10.3 percent. The proposed changes are due to take effect on 1 February 2019.
However, for NDIS service providers working with people with more complex needs, has been met with caution by some providers who say all the details haven’t been made clear. There is currently a lack of detail and information on how clients can qualify for the third tier support level and increased funding. This includes whether people with complex needs may receive more one-on-one support.
“The pricing increase recognises that people with complex needs require higher levels of skilled supports in their NDIS plans,” Social Services Minister, Paul Fletcher said.
Assistant minister for social services, Sarah Henderson, said the new three-level system reflected the findings of the National Disability Insurance Agency-led pilot program on pricing that engaged providers from states and territories. The pricing increases were based on the findings of the NDIS agency-led pilot program that engaged services providers from across each state and also in consultation with stakeholders as part of an Independent Pricing Review.
