What the new NDIS Pricing mean for Plan-Managed Participants

What the New NDIS Pricing Arrangements Mean for Plan-Managed Participants

Every fiscal year, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) issues its latest Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (often called the “Price Guide”). These updated rules set out the maximum rates registered providers can charge for supports funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

For participants using Plan Management (such as with our company Enabled Care), it’s important to understand key changes—so you can feel confident that your budget is being managed properly and that your supports remain “reasonable and necessary.”

What’s New in 2025–26

Here are some of the headline changes and what they mean:

• There is now national pricing consistency for a number of therapy supports. The NDIA has removed the state- and territory-based differential pricing for certain therapies (e.g., physiotherapy, psychology).

• Some therapy rates have been reduced, others increased. For example:

  • The national price limit for a physiotherapist’s hourly support has been reduced to $183.99/hour, effective from 1 July 2025.

  • The national rate for a psychologist has been increased to $232.99/hour. Again, this is from 1 July 2025 and applies uniformly across jurisdictions.

  • Dietitians and podiatrists have had their rates reduced by around $5/hour, with the new national cap at $188.99/hour.

• Additional changes include:

  • Provider travel costs for therapy supports are now capped at 50% of the session’s price limit.

  • The one-off setup fee for Plan Management (support item 14_033_0127_8_3) has been removed for new plans as of 1 July 2025.

• The updated pricing arrangements are set to take effect from 1 July 2025, and the next version (v1.1) will come into effect 24 November 2025.

What It Means for You as a Plan-Managed Participant

Here’s how you should interpret these changes and what to keep an eye on:

• Budget alignment: Because therapy rates have changed, the number of hours you get in your plan may now cost slightly more or less. It doesn’t automatically mean your funding changes—only the cost per session may change.

• Provider invoices: If a provider tries to charge more than the new price limit for a given support, we (as your Plan Manager) cannot approve it. This ensures you are protected from over-charging.

• Choice & control: You still have choice of provider, registered or unregistered (depending on your plan). But price limits apply for plan-managed and agency-managed supports, so it pays to check what you’re being charged.

• Service planning: If you use many therapy supports (physio, psychology, dietetics etc.), you might need to re-look at how your allocated hours align with your goals and budget. We can assist you with that.

• Plan Management remains stable: The monthly fee for Plan Management (support item 14_034_0127_8_3) is still capped (in 2025-26 the limit is $104.45/month).

What to Do Next

Here are a few practical steps you can take to stay ahead:

1. Review your current supports and providers. Check if your provider charges are within the new limit. If you’re unsure, send us the invoice and we’ll check.

2. Check your plan line items. Especially if you consume a lot of therapy supports — consider if the number of hours allocated still meets your goals under the new rates.

3. Talk to your provider about how these changes might affect them and whether the frequency/duration of services will change.

4. Use your Plan Manager advantage. At Enabled Care we’ll monitor your spending, alert you to changes, and make sure your invoice processing is accurate and timely.

5. Ask us for a budget review. If you suspect your supports cost more (or less) under the new limits, we can provide you with a summary and help you decide if you want to request a plan review with the NDIA.

Final Thoughts

Pricing changes can feel technical, but as a plan-managed participant your main takeaway is: You’re still supported, your budget is still under oversight, and you still have choice and control. At Enabled Care, our focus is on making sure you use your funding effectively, providers are paid correctly, and you get the maximum benefit from your plan.

If you have any questions about how these changes affect you, or want a one-on-one chat about your budget and supports, please reach out to us — we’re here to help you navigate this smoothly.