As a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it’s important to use your plan funds wisely and get the most out of every dollar. But how can you do that is the question here. Many, even after being associated with the NDIS for years, fail to understand this. So, here’s our quick guide to help you out.
In this article, we provide tips and tricks to cut unnecessary costs, helping you maximise your plan funding and enhance your life. Talk to your local area coordinator or NDIS provider in Geelong to see if they can help implement some or all of these strategies to:
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Eliminate extra expenses (like provider travel costs), giving you more funding for supports
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Become aware of peak price periods when NDIS costs rise, helping you plan better
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Avoid unexpected costs that can quickly add up
Now, let’s begin.
1. Consider local NDIS providers Geelong
Has a provider ever charged you for travel? Providers can bill your NDIS budget for travel costs when they:
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Spend time accompanying you in the community
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Travel to you
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Incur travel costs, like parking and tolls
If a mobile provider, like a physiotherapist, charges the maximum hourly rate under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, travel costs can add up quickly. Therefore, it’s beneficial to consider local providers and negotiate a reduction or elimination of travel charges.
2. Request sessions that are less frequent but longer
If travel is involved, less frequent and longer sessions can help reduce travel costs. For example, you could request 8 x 90-minute sessions instead of 12 x 60-minute sessions. Both equal 12 hours of support, but the first option eliminates four sets of travel expenses.
3. Avoid peak times when provider costs are higher
Provider rates vary for weekdays, weekends, and public holidays. Typically, it’s cheaper to see a provider during the week rather than on a weekend or public holiday. Consider this and discuss your schedule with your NDIS provider Geelong.
4. Do not let providers dictate your supports
Ensure your NDIS providers in Geelong create a support schedule that meets your needs rather than one that uses all your available funding. If a provider asks to see your NDIS plan budget before sending a service agreement, or if their service agreement equals the total value of a particular budget category, it’s worth investigating their recommendations further. Remember, if you’re not satisfied with a provider, you have the right to change.
5. Ensure the supports you need aren’t covered elsewhere
For example, certain services, like rehabilitation after a medical or surgical event, are covered under Medicare, Australia’s universal healthcare system. So, check if the support you need is covered there or under another mainstream service, which could save your NDIS funding.
6. Avoid the ‘NDIS tax’
Some NDIS providers Geelong charge more when they know a client is an NDIS participant, viewing it as ‘government money.’ This is sometimes referred to as an ‘NDIS tax.’ To avoid this, negotiate and lock in a provider’s rates before disclosing your NDIS participant status.
7. Request for an allied health assistant
Allied health assistants can provide supports under the guidance of an allied health professional at a lower cost. They are often students gaining experience in their final year of study, having the latest knowledge and training in their domain. Therefore, you can consider asking if an allied health assistant can provide some of your supports at a lower rate.
8. Ask providers about the scope of services
If you have support workers for daily living activities, ensure you know the range of services they can provide, such as gardening, cleaning, doing laundry, and meal preparation. This can reduce the need to spend your NDIS plan funding on additional services.
9. Consider joining group sessions for community participation
Group sessions can be a cost-effective way to engage in the community with like-minded peers. Participating in a group activity with a lower ratio of support (e.g., more participants per support worker) can significantly reduce costs.
10. Consider Coordinated Funding Proposals (CFPs)
If you want maximum value from your NDIS budget, CFPs can help. By forming a group with others who have similar support needs, you can combine funding to:
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Strengthen buying power, potentially buying supports at a lower price point
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Share expenses like provider travel and accommodation fees
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Make it more viable for specialist or high-quality providers to service a remote community
11. Consider assistive technology and increase independence
An allied health practitioner, like an occupational therapist, may recommend assistive technology to maintain your independence and reduce reliance on external supports. From combi-reachers to walking frames, there are numerous assistive technology tools designed to help people with disabilities get the most out of life.
Final Word
Looking for reliable disability support services in Geelong? Check out Matrix Healthcare, a reputed and experienced NDIS provider in Geelong. Talk to its experts, and you will have all your answers. Good luck!