What Is NDIS Plan Management?

NDIS Plan Management is a way for participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to manage their funding. It provides support in handling the financial aspects of their plans. You don’t have to handle the documentation as an NDIS plan manager takes care of everything. With this approach, people with disabilities or their caregivers can focus more on their goals and less on paperwork.

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NDIS Plan Management

NDIS Plan Management Options

NDIS offers participants three main options for managing their funding: NDIS plan-managed, agency-managed, and self-managed. You can choose the one that best suits your needs.

  • Agency Management: In agency management, the NDIS directly pays the registered providers for the relevant services on behalf of the participant. This option requires the least administrative work but offers limited choice in service providers.

  • Self-management: It gives people with disabilities the most control over their NDIS funding. The participant or the nominee manages the funds and is reimbursed by the NDIA for the support they receive. This option allows for the greatest flexibility in choosing a support provider but requires more time and effort to handle administrative tasks.

  • Plan Management: This is the middle ground between agency management and self-management. Here, the individual chooses a plan management provider to assist them in managing NDIS funds. Plan managers can work with both registered and unregistered providers on behalf of the participant. The funding is provided by the NDIA.

When exploring NDIS plan management options, consider how much control you want over the plan and the amount of administrative work you’re willing to do. Each has its benefits and challenges. Here’s a comparison of NDIS-managed, self-managed, and agency-managed plans:

Feature NDIS Plan Management Self Management Agency Management
Access to NDIS-registered providers Yes Yes Yes
Access to unregistered providers Yes Yes No
Flexibility in choosing providers High (includes both registered and unregistered) High (includes both registered and unregistered) Limited (only registered providers)
Administrative burden Low High Moderate
Requires record keeping No Yes No
Billing issues resolved on your behalf Yes No Yes
Bound by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Yes No Yes
Monthly financial reporting Yes (provided by the plan manager) No Yes (directly by NDIA)
Direct payments to providers Yes (via plan manager) No (paid directly by the Yes
Reimbursement for services received No Yes No
Access to plan management experts Yes No No
Control over funding decisions Moderate (plan manager assists) High (participant manages all) Low (NDIA makes decisions)

Exploring the NDIS Plan Management Guidelines

NDIS Plan Management Guidelines help participants understand how to manage their funds effectively. It covers various aspects of plan management so that they can make informed decisions. A quick overview of these regulations is as follows:

  • Planning and Plan Management: During your plan meeting, you can request plan management services. If you choose this option, your NDIS plan will include separate funding to cover these services. Specialised plan management is funded under the Improved Life Choices category of the NDIS, and helps participants manage their funding.

    This service also provides expert guidance and regular reports to ensure the plan is well-administered. These tasks include discussing supports or goals, managing the budget, and providing regular financial statements. Plan managers also handle claims and payments for services received.

  • Responsibilities of Plan Managers: Managers have specific responsibilities to ensure effective financial administration. They must:

    1. Discuss supports and goals with the participant
    2. Manage and monitor the budget
    3. Provide information about plan management responsibilities
    4. Handle NDIS claims and process payments to providers
    5. Maintain accurate records of all transactions
    6. Ensure sufficient funding is available in the plan
    7. Set up preferred methods for invoicing and reimbursement
    8. Monitor expenditures to align with the plan
    9. Issue regular statements showing the plan’s financial status

  • Plan Managers as Registered NDIS Providers: NDIS plan managers, except in Western Australia, must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This independent body ensures that the support services meet quality and safety standards. This commission works closely with participants and providers to maintain service excellence, address issues, and enhance the system. Registered plan managers must adhere to strict requirements, including following the NDIS Code of Conduct and Practice Standards, to retain their registration.

  • Choosing Non-registered Providers: With several NDIS plan management options available, you can access both registered and non-registered providers. All providers, regardless of registration status, must comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct. This means that even non-registered providers have to deliver quality services at all times. Failure to meet these standards may lead to action being taken against the provider. This safeguards the choice of participants to go for non-registered support services.

  • Principles of Plan Management: Certain principles guide the delivery of plan management services, such as:

    1. Achieving Goals: Plan managers should help individuals with disabilities use their budget to reach their goals.
    2. Ensuring Independence: Conflict of interests is avoided at all costs. Managers focus on the participant’s needs; not their interests.
    3. Demonstrating Accountability: Accurate records must be kept and regular reports provided to participants about their spending.
    4. Consumer Awareness: A plan manager should support the participant’s rights as consumers. They should help NDIS clients make informed choices about various support services.

  • Financial Administration: Plan management also involves key financial tasks, including:

    1. Budget management
    2. Paying providers
    3. Keeping records
    4. Providing monthly statements
    5. Ensuring price guide compliance

Find Professional NDIS Plan Management at Marika Care

Plan management funding is separate from other NDIS supports. It includes an establishment fee for setting up services and a monthly fee for ongoing management. With an NDIS plan managed by an expert, a person with a disability gets the flexibility, support, and the ability to focus on personal goals. When you understand the different management options and guidelines, you can self-manage the funding and choose supports in a much better way.

For more detailed information on NDIS plan management guidelines and support, visit Marika Care. Our team comprises passionate support workers who are always ready to assist participants with any task. We focus on your wellness and help you enjoy a much more independent lifestyle. You can call us on 0406 936 117 or email us at info@marikacare.com.au for more details.