Plan management is a common term among NDIS participants. What is it, and what is its importance? This blog helps readers understand plan management in simple terms and helps the reader optimally use his or her NDIS Plan funding.
What Is Plan Management?
Plan management is an NDIS service oriented toward the management of financial components of participants’ NDIS plans. Choosing Plan Management means that the proposed support under the umbrella of Plan Management entails a Plan Manager who assists the participant by paying the service providers from the fund, keeping track of the expenditure, and looking after the budgets.
With the three options to managing funding, you have:
1. Are self-managed, where you do everything.
2. Agency managed, where the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) manages your funding and pays only to NDIS-registered providers.
3. Plan management, where a Plan Manager is in charge of funding management on your behalf, with you allowed to use both registered and unregistered providers.
This is one reason many participants with the NDIS prefer Plan Management, as they enjoy the flexibility, control, and support it offers while being exempted from the very stressful tasks of paperwork and payment.
What Is a Plan Manager?
A Plan Manager is someone or an organisation that is recognized by the NDIS to handle the cash side of your plan. The work of a Plan Manager comprises:
– Paying all your service providers’ invoices
– Keeping tabs on your expenditure
– Informing you how much money is left under each budget category
– Ensuring your NDIS funds are used correctly
– Sending in reports and updates whenever requested
Plan Managers do not determine which services you receive: that is your choice. Their paramount responsibility is that funds are managed properly and that you gain the utmost benefit from your plan.
Why Should You Choose Plan Management?
Choosing Plan Management has many advantages. Here are some of the top reasons people select this plan:
1. More Choice and Control:
Plan Management allows you to use both NDIS-registered and non-registered providers. With this, you have more choice in determining the right services to meet your needs.
2. No Paperwork for You:
Your Plan Manager manages invoices, payments, and record-keeping. No need for you to stress about saving receipts or paying bills!
3. Help with Budgeting:
Plan Managers keep you updated with frequent reports and information on your spending. They help you remain within your budget and keep you from running out of funds.
4. NDIS Knowledge and Support:
A good Plan Manager knows the NDIS system inside out. They will guide you, steer you clear of common pitfalls, and offer you advice that will help your plan work better.
5. Free for You:
There are no extra costs attached to Plan Management. If it is in your plan, the NDIS pays for it in the budget as a separate line item. This service is free for you and does not affect any of your other funding.
How Does Plan Management Work?
The procedure is simple and uncomplicated:
• Choose a Plan Manager- At your planning meeting, request to include Plan Management into your NDIS plan. Alternatively, you can ask during a plan review.
• Sign Agreement- After you select the Plan Manager, you will sign a service agreement outlining how your Plan Manager will support you.
• Use Your Services- After starting to use services, the provider sends an invoice to the Plan Manager.
• Payment is Made- The Plan Manager checks the invoice, claims the funds from NDIS, and pays the provider.
• Receive Reports- Regular updates and reports on your spending and remaining funds will be provided.
Plan Managers can also work together with your Support Coordinator or Specialist Support Coordinator in ensuring that your services are properly managed.
What’s the Distinction Between a Plan Manager and a Support Coordinator?
It is a common misconception that Plan Managers and their Support Coordinators are performing the same job.
• Plan Manager Embezzles- Payment and expenditure is what he takes care of.
• Support Coordinator- This provides you assistance in getting the most out of your plan by helping you identify the right providers and setting up your supports.
If there is any complexity regarding your needs, you may have to involve a Specialist Support Coordinator, which will offer additional assistance in contingencies such as a transition from the hospital, circumstances concerning homelessness, and legal challenges.
All these three types of help can be accommodated in your NDIS plan if you need them. They will tend to work together to make your life a little easier and more independent.
How is the Right Plan Manager Chosen?
Choosing the right Plan Manager is important. These are pointers on what to check for:
• NDIS Knowledgeable– Choose an individual well acquainted with the NDIS system and can give good advice.
• Clear Communication- They should send regular updates and be easy to contact.
• Fast Payments- A good Plan Manager pays your providers quickly to avoid delays.
• Friendly and Helpful- They should listen to you and care about your needs. If you’re not happy with your current Plan Manager, you have every right to change them. You should always trust them and feel comfortable with them.
Is Plan Management Right for Me?
You’re into Plan Management if:
• You want to use registered providers as well as non-registered ones.
• You don’t really want to take care of the paperwork and budgets by yourself.
• You want much more freedom and control but with a little bit of expert help.
• You’re new to the NDIS and you’re going to need a little help to get started.
It provides the best of both independence and support, especially if you think self-management is difficult or too restricted by agency management.
Liberty Disability Services has trusted NDIS services that help participants manage their plans with ease and peace of mind.
Let us help you manage your NDIS funding with confidence. Plan Management made simple and stress-free.