What Does An NDIS Plan Manager Do?
As an NDIS participant, you may have heard of plan managers, but what exactly do they do? and do you need one? In this article, we’ll explain what an NDIS plan manager is and what they do, to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to engage the services of a plan manager.
To put it simply, an NDIS plan manager pays for your approved consumables and supports delivered by service providers, they manage all the paperwork associated with your NDIS plan and services so you don’t have to. Giving you more time to focus on what matters, like reaching your plan goals!
NDIS Plan Management is one of four management styles available to NDIS participants. The other three being agency managed, plan-managed and self-management.
Your NDIS plan can be delivered through any one of these management styles, or a combination of two or more, it all comes down to your personal circumstances and what works best for you.
So, What Does An NDIS Plan Manager Actually Do?
A good plan manager can:
· Offer assistance and guidance with your NDIS funds.
· Provide monthly and real time financial reporting (if you choose) on your budgets.
· Monitor your budget.
· process payments and invoices.
· Pay providers for supports delivered.
· Pay reimbursements.
· Offer advice on what you can and can’t use your plan funds for.
· Ensure your service providers are invoicing in line with NDIS guidelines.
Why Should You Use A Plan Manager?
You may be surprised to learn that as much as 31% of NDIS budgets are not being utilised! Meaning that NDIS participants are missing out on as much as one third of the NDIS funding that they are entitled to. This figure represents a massive number of missed opportunities. An NDIS plan manager can help you make sure you are getting the most out of your NDIS plan. There are many other benefits of having an NDIS plan Manager, including:
· The freedom to choose your own service providers (NDIS registered providers and non-registered providers),
· Having someone to manage all the paperwork and invoicing for you,
· Having peace of mind knowing you are only paying for approved services,
· Having peace of mind and reassurance that everything is being taken care of.
How to Choose A Plan Management Provider
When you’re looking for a plan management provider, there are a few key things you should keep in mind:
· They should be an NDIS registered plan manager.
· They should have experience working with NDIS plans.
· They should have a good understanding of the NDIS and how it works.
· They should be able to provide you with peace of mind and reassurance that your plan is being. managed correctly.
· They should process your invoices and payments promptly.
Choosing the right NDIS plan manager is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. Keep these things in mind and you’ll be sure to find the perfect provider for your needs and circumstances.
How Much Does An NDIS Plan Manager Cost?
You’ll be pleased to know there is no out-of-pocket expense to NDIS participants who wish to engage the services of a plan manager! The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) will actually allocate extra funding to the “Improved Life Choices” category of your NDIS plan to cover the cost of a plan manager.
Can You Change Plan Managers?
Of course you can! If at any time you’re not happy with the services your current plan manager is providing, or you just feel like you need a change, you have the choice and control to make the switch to a new provider at any time. Just remember to advise your current plan manager and the NDIA of the change.
We hope this article has made life easier and cleared up any confusion about what an NDIS plan manager does!
For more information on NDIS plan managers head to Assist Plan managers www.assisitplanmanagers.com.au
