The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has recently announced updates to its payment processes to enhance accuracy, reduce fraud, and streamline financial management. These changes are designed to help ensure that payments are processed efficiently, while maintaining the integrity of the system.
For those who need to better understand NDIS support services, learning about these updates will help you navigate the new procedures smoothly. Here’s a guide to the latest changes in the NDIS payment process.
Key Changes to the NDIS Payment Process
Increased Scrutiny of Payments
One of the most significant changes to the NDIS payment process is the increased scrutiny of payments. The NDIS will now conduct more thorough reviews of invoices and reimbursement requests. This enhanced scrutiny is intended to help prevent fraud and ensure compliance with NDIS guidelines. As a result, invoices may take a longer period to get reviewed and approved.
For example, if you have an NDIS Plan Manager they may cross-reference invoices with the details provided in participants’ plans to ensure that the services billed are consistent with what has been authorised. This step aims to catch any discrepancies before payments are processed, thereby reducing instances of incorrect or fraudulent claims.
Extended Processing Times
With the implementation of new procedures, the time it takes to process payments has been extended. Once an invoice or reimbursement request is claimed, the NDIS now requires about two business days to provide final approval. Payments will be made within 2-3 business days after approval for the providers that regularly work with and are recorded as part of your NDIS plan. These are known as ‘my providers’. This adjustment adds an additional 3 – 5 business days to the previous processing times.
This change means that participants using NDIS support services should expect a delay in receiving payments. The NDIS has indicated that this extension will help ensure more accurate and secure processing of all claims. Enhanced Documentation Requirements
The new process requires more detailed documentation to avoid delays. Therefore, NDIS service providers must ensure that all invoices are complete and compliant to NDIS invoicing requirements. This includes:
- Business Details: Name, ABN (if registered for GST), and business address.
- Billing Contact Information: Name, phone number, and email address.
- Invoice Specifics: Date, unique invoice number, NDIS participant name and NDIA number, service date or support start, and end date, description of the NDIS support/services provided, and/or the NDIS support item number as per the list in the NDIS Support Catalogue, unit price/s for the support provided, quantity claimed for each unit of the support provided, total invoice amount and GST amount, if applicable.
- Bank Details: For payment processing.
Incomplete or incorrectly formatted invoices will require manual intervention, resulting in longer processing times. To avoid unnecessary delays in processing, providers are encouraged to use standardised templates to minimise errors and ensure that all required details are included.
NDIS support service providers can assist in understanding and implementing these requirements to facilitate smoother processing.
Proof of Payment for Reimbursements
Participants submitting reimbursement claims must provide proof of payment to avoid delays. This means keeping accurate records and ensuring that all requested documentation is included with your claim. Moreover, this step helps in verifying the authenticity of the claims and speeds up the reimbursement process.
In addition, we encourage NDIS participants to keep good records of all payments made and ensure that these records are submitted along with their claims. Plan Managers can assist in maintaining these records and ensuring that they are correctly aligned with the services covered under your NDIS plan.
This change aims to enhance transparency and ensure that reimbursements are processed accurately.
Compliance and Accuracy
Both NDIS providers and participants need to be aware of the new compliance requirements. Ensuring that all submitted invoices follow NDIS rules, including correct line-item codes and maximum payment rates, will help in avoiding unnecessary delays. Furthermore, NDIS service providers can use the NDIS templates provided by the NDIS to help ensure that their invoices meet all the necessary criteria. You can refer to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and NDIS specific guide for more information.
How Can NDIS Participants Adapt to the New Payment Process?
- Stay Informed: It is recommended to remain up-to-date with the latest changes by visiting the NDIS website or contacting your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager or LAC. Engaging with NDIS support service providers will help you stay informed about the new requirements and manage your claims more effectively.
- Submit Complete Claims: All required documentation should be included when submitting reimbursement requests. This includes proof of payment, and accurate records of all services received.
- Review Invoices Promptly: If you are using a Plan Manager like Living My Way, it is important to make sure to review notifications and raise concerns about invoices promptly. This helps avoid delays in processing and support timely payments.
The Role of a Plan Manager
Plan managers such as Living My Way play a crucial role in navigating these changes. They can help handle the payment process on behalf of NDIS participants, helping to supportmanaging invoices and claims. In addition, NDIS support providers can benefit from collaborating with plan managers to streamline their invoicing and payment processes.
Here’s how Living My Way can assist you:
- Easy Payment Process: Providers send invoices directly to Living My Way, simplifying the payment process for participants.
- Invoice Notifications: Through the Careview Advantage app, participants receive notifications for every invoice received, allowing them to review and raise concerns about payments easily.
- Budget Tracking: Living My Way helps track and manage your funds, helping you to stay within your budget.
By using Living My Way as your plan manager, you are not restricted to only NDIS-registered providers, giving you more options and freedom in choosing your support services.
Living My Way – Your Partner in Managing NDIS Plan
The recent changes to the NDIS payment process aim to improve accuracy and reduce fraud, although they may lead to slightly longer processing times.
Both participants and NDIS providers should stay informed and ensure that all documentation and invoices are accurate and complete.
Using a plan manager such as Living My Way can simplify these processes, providing you with the support and flexibility needed to manage your NDIS plan effectively.
For more information and assistance with your NDIS plan, please feel free to reach out to us.
