The latest changes to the NDIS Price Guide came into effect on 1 February 2019. There is now a three-tier price level for providers delivering supports for self-care activities and community, social and recreational access as opposed to the previous two levels.
The three levels are as follows:
- Level 1 - for standard supports (as per 2018/19 price guide)
- Level 2 - for high-intensity supports (a 5.6 percent loading applies)
- Level 3 - for very high-intensity supports (new loading of 10.3 percent applies)
The changes were made in response to market trends and cost changes and aim to recognise that people with more complex needs require higher level one-to-one skilled workers to deliver the required supports. The level of funding for each individual plan will still be determined by the needs of the participant and may include a mix of lower skilled and higher skilled worker supports.
The new changes were a result of an Independent Pricing Review formed by stakeholders that included participants and providers. To help providers with transitional overhead costs as a result of the changes, Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher announced a 2.5 per cent loading that will apply to Level 2 and 3 supports.
It is hoped the new changes will improve the choice and support plans for participants as they are designed to encourage providers to innovate and develop new services and products.
In summary, there has been a net increase of 18 new support items since the last update of July 2018. Among the changes are high intensity supports that replaced old ones. In all, 139 items were updated, 93 of which have a "national" pricing while six, mainly one-to-one group-based activities, were completely revamped.
Visit the NDIS website at www.ndis.gov.au for more information on price guides.
