A guide to NDIS plan management
For over 70 years, nib has been a trusted health insurance provider. We’re proud to support Australians with disabilities and their families in managing their NDIS plan budgets through nib Thrive.
New to the NDIS, or not sure how to get plan management services added to your NDIS plan? Check out our handy article below.
What are the options for managing NDIS budgets?
There are three ways participants can choose to have their NDIS plan managed:
Plan managed
This is where a plan management provider pays for supports on behalf of the participant using plan funds from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Plan managers help keep track of expenses, communicate with providers and budget for supports. Plan managed participants can use any provider of their choice, both registered and unregistered.
Self managed
Where a participant or their nominee directly receives their funds from the NDIA and pays their providers for any supports received. Participants or nominees manage their budget and track their expenses. Both registered and unregistered providers can be paid on a self managed plan.
Agency managed
A participant chooses to have the NDIA directly manage paying their providers for supports received. NDIA managed participants can only use registered NDIS providers.
You may also choose a combination of plan managed and self managed. You might want to self manage the funding under one support category, while the other categories are plan managed. The choice is yours.
Why use a plan manager?
Plan managers offer you peace of mind and support, taking care of the financial paperwork of NDIS plans. This includes paying providers, giving spend overview reports and assisting participants with how spend their funds. Depending on your needs, plan managers can also help with capacity building and training to help you learn to self manage your plan and gain more financial independence.
Who is eligible for plan management?
Anyone with a NDIS plan can have plan management services added to their plan. Plan management doesn’t cost you anything, the funding for plan management comes under a separate budget of your NDIS plan and will not take away from any of your supports funding.
How to get plan management added to your NDIS Plan
1. Understand your needs
Firstly, consider whether plan management is the right option for you. Think about your preferences, abilities and comfort level with managing finances and invoices. Plan management might be a good fit if you find budgeting and paperwork challenging or if you want more freedom in choosing both registered and unregistered service providers.
2. Request plan management
You can choose to become plan managed at any point of your plan – either at your initial planning meeting or by calling the NDIS to discuss adding it your plan. If you decide you would like plan management services, you can tell your planner during your initial planning meeting that you would like this added to your plan. Your planner will then discuss options and provide more information about plan management providers in your area. Make sure you ask questions; talk about any worries you have and feel comfortable that you understand how plan management works.
3. Choose a plan manager
Once you've decided to include plan management in your NDIS plan and had it added to your plan, you can choose a plan manager that suits your needs. Consider factors such as their experience, reputation and the level of support they offer. You have the choice to select a plan manager that aligns with your preferences and values.
Managing your NDIS budget effectively is important for achieving your goals and getting the most out of your supports. So, nib Thrive brings efficiency and reliability to the NDIS process, using innovative human and digital solutions to ensure tracking your expenses, managing your budget and planning your supports are convenient and transparent.
4. Join your preferred plan manager
Once you have chosen a plan manager, get in touch with them to join. You can join nib Thrive online, over the phone or via email. The plan manager will finalise setting up your plan, provide a service agreement and you’ll be on your way to spending your NDIS budget.
Interested in learning more about how nib Thrive can help you manage your NDIS plan? Contact one of our friendly team on 1800 999 333.