NDIS Trials Outcome-Based Payments Hoping to Improve Efficiency, Rein in Costs

The federal government has launched trials of an NDIS program aimed at being more results-oriented.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) currently pays providers for services, however, the new plan will provide outcome-based payments when certain goals are achieved.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said the pilot is aimed at finding better solutions for keeping the NDIS running smoothly.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) selected 31 providers who will share in $330,000 and participate in designing the blended payment options to explore how it will work best.
Grants were made available to registered NDIS providers, focusing on providers of employment support for school leavers, supported independent living (SIL), and assisting younger individuals in residential aged care (YPIRAC).
“This is another step in our efforts to enhance the experience for all NDIS participants and ensure they are meeting the goals they set,” Shorten stated.
“We need to give participants more options in the future on how they engage providers and how they may pay them,” he said.
The cost of maintaining the NDIS has been an ongoing issue.
On Aug. 22, the Senate passed long-awaited reforms after a week of debate in Parliament aimed at curbing the spiralling cost of the program, slated to cost taxpayers $50 billion by 2025-2026.
Key measures in the legislation include an 8 percent cap on NDIS spending growth and stricter eligibility requirements for services.
The government hopes to save $14.4 billion over the next four years.