What is Plan Management?
Published at 31-03-2025 14:19:33
Tags: #ForParticipants
Once you're approved for the NDIS, you'll sit down for a planning meeting, typically with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or an NDIS planner. This meeting is crucial because it's where you'll make some important decisions about your NDIS plan, especially how you want to manage your funds.
Ways to Manage Your NDIS Plan
There are three main options for managing your NDIS funds:
- Agency Managed: This is where the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) handles your funds. They take care of all the payments directly to registered providers on your behalf. It's hands-off for you, as the participant.
- Self Managed: You or your nominee (for children) manage the NDIS funds. This involves handling the financial and administrative tasks, including finding and paying service providers and claiming these payments back from the NDIS through the participant portal.
- Plan Managed: You hire a Plan Manager to take care of your NDIS funds. They handle the payments to providers, and you choose the providers—with some assistance from your Plan Manager if needed. This option removes the burden of direct administration and any out-of-pocket expenses for you.
What Does a Plan Manager Do?
A Plan Manager will:
- Pay all your bills, either from invoices you forward or directly from providers.
- Provide monthly statements to help you keep track of your spending.
- Reimburse you for any costs you need to pay upfront.
- Assist in setting up service agreements with providers.
- Help find other supports and services you may need.
Why Choose Plan Management?
Choosing to have your NDIS funding plan managed can significantly ease the burden of managing your NDIS plan without limiting your choice of service providers. Plan management is funded separately by the NDIS, so it doesn't reduce the funds available for other services in your plan. Here are some advantages:
- Access to both registered and unregistered providers, giving you a wider range of service options.
- No administrative tasks for you; your Plan Manager handles all payments and record-keeping.
- Assistance in understanding and maximizing your NDIS plan.
- Budget tracking to ensure you don't run out of funds.
- More control over how you use your funding, with guidance on eligible services.
- Stress-free management of bill payments.
- Enhanced confidence and skills in budget management.
Costs and Finding a Good Plan Manager
There are no out-of-pocket costs for plan management services; the NDIS covers this under a separate funding in your plan. When looking for a good Plan Manager, ensure they are an NDIS-registered provider. Services like MyCareSpace can help you explore your options and choose a Plan Manager that fits your needs.
How to Request Plan Management
You can ask for plan management during your initial NDIS planning meeting or request a plan review to include plan management. Once approved, the NDIA allocates funds specifically for plan management services in your plan. You'll then need to select a Plan Manager, set up a service agreement, and start forwarding them your invoices for payment.
Changing Plan Managers
If you find that your current Plan Manager isn't meeting your expectations, you can change Plan Managers at any time. Resources are available to guide you through the process of switching to a provider that better suits your needs.
Plan management can simplify your NDIS experience, letting you focus more on achieving your goals and less on paperwork. If you're considering this option, don't hesitate to ask for help and get all the information you need to make an informed decision.