A range of new pricing arrangements for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will begin from 1 July to support the development of a sustainable and vibrant disability services market and lead to better outcomes for NDIS participants.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will implement the new arrangements that were recommended by an Independent Pricing Review (IPR).
Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said the pricing reforms would assist providers' transition to the participant-centred funding approach that was at the centre of the NDIS.
"The NDIS is a once-in-a-generation reform that will improve the lives of an estimated 460,000 Australians and their families and carers," Mr Tehan said. "The NDIS must continue to evolve and improve to ensure participants have access to quality services with greater choice and control."
A new 2.5 per cent temporary loading on attendant care prices will help providers with their overheads. The loading will be 2.5 per cent in 2018-19 and 1.25 per cent in 2019-20. Taking into account growth in wage and overhead costs, the price limit for standard intensity 1:1 attendant care supports will increase by 7.6 per cent on 1 July 2018.