NDIS plan management refers to how a participant's funding is managed and used to pay for services and support. There are three ways to manage a NDIS plan, each has their own considerations and aligns with choice and control for your customers.
1. Self-Management :
Your customers have control over their funding, including paying providers directly and handling the admin tasks. While this preference offers the highest flexibility and choice the downside is that it requires a solid understanding of budgeting and record-keeping. Parents of younger NDIS participants often find this a good option
2. Plan-Managed
In this choice, a registered plan manager handles the financial side of provider invoices such as paying for services and managing paperwork. This allows your customers to focus on their own care while still having a degree of choice over providers, including non-NDIS registered ones.
3. NDIA-Managed
The NDIA manages the funds and pays only NDIS-registered providers directly. There is no flexibility to use non registered providers, including support workers from places such as Mable or Hire up. It is the most hands-off option of the three.
Pros and Cons: Which Plan Management Option is Best?
Deciding really depends on several considerations:
How much involvement your customer’s want or can manage.
Your customer’s ability to manage funds
The NDIS choosing in certain circumstances, such as when there is participant overspending and fraudulent use of funds
Remember: some participants may have limited options for managing parts of their budget, as NDIA management may be automatically required for specific supports like SIL.
Key Factors for Selecting a Plan Manager
When wading through the multitude of choices with your customers, it's essential to consider their unique needs and preferences. While online searches can generate lists of plan management providers, it’s wise to go look further. Assist your customers to perform thorough research to ensure the best fit.
Here are three important considerations when choosing a plan manager:
Location and Time Zone: Is the provider local and accessible during your state. Daylight savings can impact WA, putting them three hours behind normal Eastern States business hours.
Experience: How long has the plan manager been operating, what is the background of the key personnel and does the company have a solid track record?
Website Usability: Is their website easy to navigate, with clear information and accessible support?
Researching Further: Beyond First Impressions
A professional-looking website and glowing reviews may give a positive first impression, but it’s important to go deeper. Independent customer reviews on forums and review sites offer a more reliable perspective.
Checking multiple sources helps ensure the plan manager is reputable and aligns with your customers' values and needs.
For customer-based reviews and feedback forums, click the link to these websites:
Simplifying NDIS Plan Management: The Power of a User-Friendly Interface
A well-designed customer management system (CMS) is central for making NDIS plan management efficient and effective for your customers. The right digital tools can simplify the process.
Here are some of the features to look out for:
Essential Digital Tools for Plan Managers
Spending Trackers: Easily monitor participants' spending to stay within budget.
Report Generators: Generate detailed reports to track progress and spending patterns.
Invoice and Agreement Storage: Store and access copies of provider invoices and service agreements.
Real-Time Uploads: Ensure timely updates of documents.
User-Friendly Dashboards: Get a clear overview of how funding is tracking
Automatic Reminders: Stay on top of plan end dates, appointments, and invoicing with automated alerts.
Support Coordinators access: Permissions need to be obtained, but having access allows for instant viewing, assessment and monitoring.
Time-Savers – the benefits of plan management
Switching from a self-managed plan to plan management can save some participants up to 20 hours of admin time per week.With someone else handling the financial and administrative aspects, participants effectively get the services of an accountant without the additional costs.
Plan management offers a balance of convenience and flexibility, allowing participants to choose non-NDIS-registered providers, just like in a self-managed plan.
For example: participants can opt for low-cost assistive technology (AT) items from everyday sellers, like purchasing a handrail from Bunnings, instead of a specialised disability retailer, something NDIA-managed participants do not have access to.
Plan Manager Checklist: How to Choose the Right Provider
To ensure you’re choosing the best plan manager for your needs, consider this three-point checklist:
1. Customer Service
Does the provider have an easy and quick online sign-up process?
Do they offer multiple ways to contact them (phone, email, chat)?
When you reach out, do they take time to understand your customers needs and provide clear, helpful information?
2. Payment and Budgets
Is there an online tool that helps you track your NDIS budget?
Do they provide a monthly overview of your spending and remaining funds?
Are they transparent about their invoice payment process, including expected payment times?
Can you track invoice status online, and do they have measures in place to prevent overspending?
3. Expertise
Are they specialists in NDIS plan management, or do they manage other services too?
Do they have a background in both financial services and the disability sector to offer well-rounded expertise?
Concluding Thoughts
When navigating NDIS plan management, understanding your customers' priorities and guiding them through their options will help them make informed decisions.
Whatever they select as their criteria, you can assist them in weighing up their choices. Plan managers are typically the first providers your customers will engage with when they become NDIS participants for the first time.
We wish you well, as always
The Lama Care Team
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