NDIS plan management
Are regional Queensland’s disability customers missing out?
PEOPLE with disabilities living in regional Queensland could be missing out on services because of the scarcity of available providers registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Andrew Kiel, co–founder of Leap in! — a registered charity providing NDIS plan management services — said almost half of Queensland’s NDIS participants continue to have their funding directly managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
“If you’re an NDIS participant having your budget managed by the NDIA, it means you are limited to using NDIS– registered providers.
“In regional areas, those providers are often in high demand, unavailable or non–existent,” Mr Kiel said.
But, there is a solution.
“The NDIS has been designed to offer customers more choice and control over their support services.
“The most user–friendly choice is a new model called ‘plan management’, where there are no out of pocket expenses and participants can choose the supports and services that suit their individual needs,” Mr Kiel said.
According to Mr Kiel, under the plan management model, participants can access a wider range of allied health professionals who may not currently be registered with the NDIS.
These may include speech therapists, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, podiatrists and social workers.
“Using a registered plan manager like Leap in! means participants have more control over their NDIS funds.
“Leap in! helps connect people with services and support and manages budgets, service agreements and invoices.
“The great news is there is no cost for this additional flexibility and support.
“The NDIS covers the costs of plan management over and above a person’s NDIS funding,” Mr Kiel said.
A national organisation headquartered in Queensland, Leap in! is currently focusing on encouraging participants across the state to take advantage of the scheme’s flexibility.
“We encourage regional Queenslanders to call Leap in! on 1300 057 878 for advice on how to ensure their NDIS plan has the greatest flexibility with the widest access to services that suit their individual circumstances,” Mr Kiel said.