Most supports will see the biggest increase in pricing to date – but there are some notable exceptions.
Support Work prices up 9% Prices dependent on the Disability Support Worker Cost Model have been increased 9%. This significant increase is designed to address the major cost pressures on providers, including changes to the SCHADS Award, minimum wage and superannuation guarantee and costs associated with NDIS registration and the pandemic. It has been calculated based on:
creased, stating: "On balance, it is not considered that an increase in the price limits for Level 2: Coordination of Supports services and Level 3: Specialist Support Coordination services price limit is justified at this time." "It is therefore recommended that the price limits for plan management fees should not be changed."
• 2% temporary loading, reviewed annually
And perhaps most troublingly, in relation to therapy: "On balance, the available evidence argues for a decrease in the current price limits for therapy supports. However, there is significant risk that such a decrease would disrupt the provision of supports to participants in some regions.
• 4.6% increase in award minimum wages
Short Notice cancellations to 7 days
• 0.5% increase to superannuation guarantee charge
In a pretty major change, the definition of "short notice" has been extended in the provider's favour. Previously set at 2 days for shorter supports or 5 days for others, the definition is where a person:
• 1.7% increase to base prices
While it’s great to see many of the cost pressures addressed, there are still some key gaps in the DSW Cost Model, which assumes that all workers are paid 4 weeks annual leave and corporate overheads remain at 12%, despite their own benchmarking evidence showing that only a fraction of providers are operating at this level.
• Does not show up for a scheduled support within a reasonable time, or is not present at the agreed place and within a reasonable time when the provider is travelling to deliver the support; or
Therapy, Support Coordination and Plan Management
• Has given less than seven (7) clear days’ notice for a support.
Providers of therapy, support coordination and plan management will be frustrated to see that the NDIA are not increasing pricing for the second year in a row. While the Pricing Updates page states that “further review” is required, the Annual Pricing Review Final Report is fairly adamant that prices not be in-
Providers are now also allowed to bill for Centre Capital Cost in the event of a short notice cancellation.
Bereavement Addendum As a SIL provider BigDog can now claim a support for up to 4 weeks. 3
