Annual Pricing Review: help secure the future for a better NDIS
25 Sep 2024
Announced earlier this year, and ahead of proposed broader reforms that will strengthen the NDIS provider market, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) released changes to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing.
The Annual Pricing Review (APR) sets the maximum price limits that NDIS providers and health professionals are permitted to charge when providing services to NDIS participants.
Disappointingly, allied health price limits across the board have not been increased this year. This means that allied health professionals have now not had a price limit increase of any kind – not even indexation – for five consecutive years, pushing an already stretched sector to breaking point.
Allied Health Professions Australia's (AHPA) Chief Executive Officer, Bronwyn Morris-Donovan said, "allied health professionals often absorb the rising costs of care not covered by the NDIS, prioritising consumer care over personal financial burden, and as a result are now being forced to potentially cease services altogether."
"The situation is deeply concerning as it not only places unbearable stress on allied health professionals, but directly impacts NDIS participants and their access to services by compromising allied health workforce availability, consequently reducing participant choice of supports.", Ms Morris-Donovan said.
Join the Movement for a Better NDIS
APodA has joined AHPA and other peak bodies and organisations, including National Disability Services and Disability Intermediaries, to call on the NDIA and the Government to address the urgent funding crisis in the NDIS. The NDIA's recent pricing review falls short, putting the future of quality disability services in jeopardy.
What’s happening?
Providers are at a breaking point. According to AHPA's data, 75% are considering reducing or stopping services altogether due to unsustainable price limits introduced on July 1. The NDIA's pricing approach not only fails to account for inflation, worker wage increases, and operating costs, but also undermines NDIS reform. The hardest-hit will be participants with complex needs and those in regional areas.
Podiatry is feeling the strain
The outcome of stagnated pricing for podiatry is undoubtedly putting pressure on podiatrists, especially considering labour costs and rents have increased.
Additionally, the new infection control standards (AS 5369:2023) have added significant financial pressure to podiatry practices, making sustaining services under the current NDIS pricing structure even harder. The situation is critical with five years of stagnant pricing for allied health services.
How you can help
Visit 4aBetterNDIS.com.au to take action, send a letter to your MP, and demand fair, transparent, and sustainable pricing that ensures NDIS participants get the care they need. Share your story, download a digital kit, and spread the word using the #4aBetterNDIS hashtag.
Together, we can create a better NDIS. #PodiatryForAll #NDISReform #DisabilityServices #AdvocacyInAction
Advcating on behalf of podiatrists
The APodA will continue to advocate on behalf of podiatrists, but some tangible steps you can take to voice your dissatisfaction are:
- Get involved in the AHPA’s Secure the Future for a Better NDIS Campaign
- Write to your local MP outlining your concerns – click here for templates and guidance.
- Join the APodA Disability Reference Group – email your expression of interest to advocacy@podiatry.org.au