NDIS Plan Management & Connecting With A Plan Manager

What is NDIS Plan Management?

 National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Plan Management is a service that allows a provider, also known as an NDIS plan manager, to support and manage the funding of your NDIS plan. Alternatively, participants may have the option to opt into National Disability Insurance Association (NDIA) managed funding or may select a self-managed plan.  

Related Articles:

• What is the NDIS? – National Disability Insurance Scheme
• NDIS Independent Assessment – Access & Eligibility Policy 
• NDIS Practice Standards, Quality Indicators, Your Rights & Responsibilities 
• NDIS Support Coordination 
• NDIS Price Guide 2021/2022: Pricing Information & Changes 

Why should I use an NDIS plan manager?

Managing your NDIS plan can be a hefty task, it can take up to twenty-five hours of your time each week. An NDIS plan manager takes away the hassle of self-management. The best plan managers have mastered the NDIS funding methodology and can ensure that you stay on track with your spending, enabling you to get the most out of the services that NDIS provides. 

It may be best to use an NDIS plan manager at least when you are first getting started with the NDIS system. An NDIS plan manager can provide you with tips and tricks to better manage your plan while managing your financial input to maximize your return.  

Plan managers are authorised to pay providers, so you never need to worry about missing a payment or sending an inaccurate payment. To ensure you are never overcharged for a provider’s services, an NDIS plan manager can also ensure that your provider’s prices remain aligned with the NDIS price guide. Plus, your NDIS plan manager will generate regular budget reports for your viewing, allowing you to have plenty of budget oversight.  

You may even expand your access to certain providers just by having a plan manager. Opting into plan management grants participants access to both NDIS registered and unregistered providers. According to the NDIA policies, out-of-network providers are off-limits without plan management. 

 If you are interested in switching to a self-managed plan, a plan manager can provide helpful resources to ensure your smooth transition into self-management.  

How can I connect with an NDIS plan manager?  

Connecting with an NDIS plan manager is easy, in fact, there are multiple ways that you can get started. 

• Reach out to your Local Area Coordinator, an Early Childhood Partner or a Support Coordinator to request an NDIS plan manager. 
• Use the NDIS myplace participant portal to access the Provider Finder tool. 
• Ask your friends and family, especially if they have previous experience with an NDIS plan manager. 

 Additionally, participants are invited to request an NDIS plan manager during their initial plan meeting. The NDIS will allocate additional funds to your plan, separate from your services budget, in order to pay for your NDIS plan manager. 

 Be sure to research your service providers and plan managers, after all, finding the best plan manager is essential. Fortunately, there are plenty of online sources available to check provider ratings and reviews. Check out additional resources and websites, such as Clickability and MyCareSpace.  

How should I proceed after I have connected with my plan manager?

 After connecting with your plan manager, they will work with you to create a service agreement. Your service agreement should outline any and all services that will be provided by your plan manager, how each service will be provided, and the expected term in which your plan manager will be assigned to you.  

Related Categories:

• Living Aids 
• Mobility/Walking Aids 
• Specialty Seating 
• Bathroom Equipment
• Bedroom Equipment 
• Wheelchairs 
• Hoists/Slings 

Can I change plan managers?

Yes, participants can switch plan managers at any time over the duration of your plan. If you are interested in changing your plan manager, first reach out to your current manager and notify them of your request to change. Your current NDIS plan manager will provide you with further instructions guiding your transition. 

 You can also reach out to NDIS directly to have your NDIS plan managed or request a plan manager change. NDIS support can be reached at 1800 800 110. 

Additional Resources

Patient Handling, Australia’s leading supplier of disability and mobility aids, is a registered NDIS provider. Patient Handling can help you understand the benefits of NDIS and in some cases, connect you with an NDIS plan manager. You can contact Patient Handling by calling 1300 734 862. 

Check out the Patient Handling blog to “Understand the NDIS and How You Can Benefit From It.” For more details on product coverage, read “What Mobility and Transfer Products Are Covered by NDIS.” 

Further Assistance  

For more information about NDIS plan management, visit the NDIS Website or contact NDIS support at 1800 800 110 (Operating Hours: 8am – 8pm, Monday to Friday). If you require additional assistance, please contact myGov support or call at 1300 169 486 (Operating Hours: 7am – 10pm, Monday to Friday and 10am – 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays AEST).