Concerns are rising over upcoming funding changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that aim to reduce clients’ expenses while potentially limiting access to essential therapies. Set to take effect from July 1, the amendments will cut the reimbursement for travel expenses claimed by mobile service providers by half.
At present, providers can receive their entire service fee for a one-hour round trip to a client’s location. However, the new guidelines will only cover 50% of these costs. This change has sparked strong reactions from both healthcare professionals and families who depend on these vital services.
Tracey Keith, the mother of two-year-old Bodie, who has cerebral palsy, fears that the funding alterations could hinder her son’s development. Bodie’s physiotherapy team currently visits his home and kindergarten to support his progress. Keith expressed her concerns, saying, “To see Bodie thrive has been everything to me…If he was in kindy five days a week and always getting restricted, that would really put his progress backwards.”
Dominic Gunther from Early Years Physiotherapy echoed similar worries, highlighting the geographical challenges faced by providers delivering services across a broad area. He pointed out that distances, such as from Burleigh, often exceed a 30-minute travel time, suggesting that the reduction in travel subsidies will inevitably decrease the frequency of visits to clients.
In light of these apprehensions, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has responded, stating that they have received feedback indicating that excessive travel claims are depleting participants’ plans more rapidly than anticipated. The NDIA asserts that the revised rules are designed to encourage more efficient scheduling and ultimately save clients money in the long run.
This unfolding situation raises concerns about the balance between cost-saving measures and the accessibility of essential therapies for individuals reliant on the NDIS.