NDIS PACE Update – All you need to know

The NDIA is introducing a fresh billing system known as PACE.

There’s a lot of details out there for providers about PACE and how it affects their billing procedures. But what do participants need to know? Here some essential things you, as a participant, should be aware of regarding PACE:

What is changing?

The introduction of PACE will alter the way providers invoice for NDIS-funded services. It requires providers to use the new PACE payment system and My NDIS Provider Portal, which will replace the current online system and MyPlace Portal. The rollout of these new systems began on October 30, 2023, and is projected to conclude by February 2024.

Does this change my NDIS plan?

Amount of Funding

You shouldn’t see any adjustments to the funding amount for your current or upcoming plans in the PACE system.

How it Looks

The existing plans will stay the same, and if you have a rollover before Feb 2024, it will also remain as is. Any new plans issued will adopt the updated PACE format, which presents the same information in a much clearer way.

Categories of Funding

PACE plans provide greater flexibility for participants. In NDIS plans, funding will be allocated at the support category level instead of specific line items. For instance, your plan won’t specify funding for “Occupational Therapy,” but rather for “Improved Daily Life,” giving you more freedom in budget utilisation.

Participants will still have?stated and flexible supports.

Service Bookings

PACE NDIS plans do not include service bookings, giving participants more freedom and control over their funding. This allows for greater flexibility in changing support options.

Support Types

PACE is moving from 3 to 4 support types.

Support types now include:

1. Core
2. Capacity building
3. Capital
4. Recurring

Five additional categories

They will also be introducing five additional categories:

Core supports now includes two new categories:

• Home and living.
• Young people in residential aged care’ (YPIRAC), however, this is an NDIA managed category.

Capital supports includes two new categories:

• Assistive Technology, maintenance, repair and replacement.
• Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Capacity Building includes one new category:

• Behaviour supports.

Note: The five new categories will be ‘stated supports’ which are funds that are not flexible and cannot be transferred to other supports.

Will my plan need to be reviewed?

Your current plans will carry on as usual and PACE won’t affect the dates of your NDIS plan. Once you get a new plan, you’ll automatically be included in the PACE system with your updated PACE plan.

What happens with my providers?

You can stick with the providers you already have. Managed participants are not required to document their providers for support if they prefer not to. Now, you have the option to authorise providers to access specific sections of your plan instead of the entire plan. This allows you to decide when and what budget information, goals, and funded supports you want them to see in order for them to provide better support.

How does PACE benefit participants?

With category-specific funding, your NDIS plan offers you increased freedom in choosing how to use your funds. This way, PACE gives you more influence over your plan and the support services you access.

You have the option to give permission for your selected providers to access various aspects of your NDIS information in PACE, ranging from just contact details and plan dates to more detailed NDIS goals. This simplifies procedures for both you and your NDIS providers.

Providers can offer a greater range of results-focused services, which the NDIS considers crucial in ensuring that participants maximise their funding.

So, What do I need to do??

Currently, there’s no action required from participants.

Existing participants who need a plan change starting October 30th will be transitioned to the new PACE system. If someone already has a plan and their scheduled reassessment doesn’t involve any changes, they won’t switch to PACE until the next reassessment or if they need a plan change before that.

New Participants (with their initial NDIS plan) – starting from October 31st 2023, all new participants will be enrolled using the PACE system. You’ll receive communication from the NDIS and we’ll also offer support and guidance, so no need to stress.

Learn more: www.insightpbs.com.au