Published 26 September 2024
Minister Bill Shorten has announced the establishment of a committee to review the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing approaches and recommend changes. This raises questions about how the government intends to implement the recommendations of the NDIS Review, which called for pricing to be moved to the Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA).
Separately, IHACPA has begun early work to investigate NDIS pricing, as committed to in this year’s Federal Budget.The costs of providing services, especially for registered providers, are significant and have increased with wage rises and the cost of living, yet most allied health services have endured a price freeze for five years. Consequently, providers are stopping or planning to stop their services because they are now operating at a loss and can’t afford to continue.
Many allied health professionals have been providing unfunded services to support consumers in need. The current unrealistic approach to pricing undermines the ability of registered providers to deliver quality, sustainable disability services.
A step toward an independent pricing approach that meets the cost of providing quality services is welcome. However, best practice pricing that is truly independent of the NDIA, transparent and accountable is needed for service sustainability and positive consumer health outcomes.
Find out more about the Secure the Future for a Better NDIS campaign.