Support coordinators frozen out

Hundreds of support coordinators around Australia have been affected by a price freeze for the third year running.

Level 2 and Level 3 Support Coordination remained frozen in the recently updated National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, and Disability Intermediaries Australia (DIA) says this, coupled with the rising cost of living and increased inflation, means there has effectively been a price cut.

DIA has also flagged for consideration increased costs associated with COVID-19, like the need for PPE and extended staff leave, as well as the effect of natural disasters – such as the nation’s recent floods – on support coordinators.

The peak body says it has heard from support coordinators who are anxious about the impacts the prize freeze will have on them and the participants who use their services.

“Our members have expressed frustration, fear, desperation and distress that this pricing decision will force them to exit the supports they provide, directly impacting participants, their employees and their own livelihoods,” DIA reports.

DIA says it has escalated the matter with Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the NDIS, as well as the National Disability Insurance Agency.

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