While the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed the landscape of disability support, managing NDIS plans and funding remains a complicated task, particularly for Plan Managers. From monitoring participant budgets to managing invoicing and ensuring compliance, it can be overwhelming. To streamline these processes, the NDIS PACE system has been rolled out.
PACE is the NDIS’s new system that is designed to enhance the NDIS experience for both Participants and Providers, including Plan Managers. This blog will explore everything you need to know about the NDIS PACE system and its impact on Plan Managers, including key features and how to navigate the new system to provide better outcomes for your Participants.
What Is the NDIS PACE System?
The NDIS PACE system is a new computer system that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is rolling out to replace the current Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. PACE stands for Participant and Claims Enhancement, and its goal is to improve the way the NDIS manages Participant plans service bookings, funding, and claims.
For Plan Managers, PACE brings about significant changes to how claims are processed, how Participants interact with their funding, and how service bookings are handled. The system is designed to improve transparency, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure better coordination between Participants and Plan Managers.
Why Did the NDIS Introduce PACE?
The NDIS PACE system has been introduced to enhance the overall efficiency and user experience for Participants, Providers, and Plan Managers. The main objectives of PACE are to:
- Improve efficiency: By automating several processes, PACE aims to reduce manual workloads and make it easier for Plan Managers to track and manage NDIS plans.
- Increase transparency: With real-time data on funding, services, and claims, PACE offers a more transparent view of participant plans, making it easier for plan managers to stay on top of changes and updates.
Better support for Participants: By streamlining processes and improving communication, the NDIS PACE system ensures that Participants receive better support and are able to manage their plans more effectively.
What Are the Key Features of the NDIS PACE System?
The NDIS PACE system introduces several important features designed to improve the management of NDIS plans for both Participants and Providers. Some of the most impactful features include:
1. Participant-Endorsed Providers
In the NDIS PACE system, Participants can now endorse the providers they work. This means that Plan Managers, as well as other service providers, are able to receive payments for services delivered under the participant’s plan without needing to create separate service bookings. Providers are automatically linked to Participants once they have endorsed them in their plan.
2. Release of Funding in Intervals
The NDIS PACE system introduces the release of funding in instalments, rather than releasing all funds upfront. This change means that Participants with long-term plans (e.g., three-year plans) have their funds released in intervals (annually, quarterly, or as specified in the plan). This change improves budget management for both NDIS Participants and Plan Managers, allowing for better control over the allocation of funds over time.
3. Changes to Service Bookings
Under PACE, there is no need for Plan Managers to manually create service bookings for Participants who are using participant-endorsed providers. Instead, service bookings are automatically end-dated for the previous plan, and new providers can be automatically linked to Participants. This change reduces the administrative burden for Plan Managers and improves the efficiency of service delivery.
4. Bulk Payment Claims
The single-line claim function previously used in the MyPlace Provider Portal is no longer available for claims related to PACE Participants. Instead, providers need to submit claims through a bulk upload system. This bulk upload allows multiple claims to be processed in a single submission, reducing transactional requirements and streamlining the claims process for Plan Managers.
5. New Participant and Provider Portals
PACE comes with updated Participant and provider portals designed to improve accessibility and user experience. The “My NDIS” Participant portal provides Participants with a user-friendly way to view their budgets, track claims, and manage their plan. Plan Managers and providers also benefit from the new “My NDIS” provider portal, which allows for more transparent access to participant information, claims status, and budgets.
What Has Stayed the Same with PACE?
Despite the many changes, there are several aspects of the NDIS system that have remained the same under PACE:
- The overall structure of the NDIS and the fundamental principles of the scheme have not changed.
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission obligations still apply to all providers.
- The support catalogue and pricing arrangements continue under PACE.
Key Changes to the NDIS Act
There have been a few recent key changes to the NDIS Act, effective from 3rd October, that Plan Managers should be aware of. Below is an outline of these changes:
- New Definition of NDIS Supports: The Act introduces a new definition of what constitutes NDIS supports, providing clarity on what can and cannot be funded by the NDIS. This helps streamline the planning and assessment process by clearly identifying eligible supports.
- Separate Pathways: When applying to access the NDIS, the NDIA will now consider and inform applicants if they meet the disability requirements, early intervention requirements, or both. This ensures that participants receive the most appropriate support based on their specific needs.
- Updated Disability and Early Intervention Requirements: The disability and early intervention requirements have been updated to clarify that a person should only access the NDIS if they require supports that are listed as NDIS supports. This helps in better assessing and planning for individual needs.
- Limit on Making New Access Requests: If a participant’s status is revoked and they request a review of that decision, they cannot make another access request until the review is complete. This ensures a more thorough evaluation process.
How Is Funding Managed Under PACE?
The NDIS PACE system allows funds to be released in intervals, which is a change from the traditional lump-sum release. Depending on the plan, funds may be distributed annually, quarterly, or at other intervals. Plan Managers need to track the funds released for each participant and ensure that services are delivered within the allocated budgets.
The NDIS PACE system has revolutionised the way NDIS Participants, Providers, and Plan Managers manage NDIS plans and services. From the introduction of bulk payment claims to improved access to participant plans, PACE simplifies many of the administrative tasks involved in NDIS management.
Where Plan Managers Can Learn More About the NDIS PACE System
For NDIS Plan Managers looking to get up to speed with the new PACE system, there are several resources and learning opportunities available online to ensure a smooth transition and a better understanding of the NDIS PACE System. Here’s where you can find the most relevant tools, training, and information:
1. NDIS PACE Tools and Resources
Plan Managers can access a range of PACE tools and resources directly from the NDIS website. These resources are updated regularly to reflect the latest developments. The materials available include new system improvements, FAQs, and helpful documentation to help you understand and navigate the PACE system effectively.
2. Provider Learning Environment
For those looking for a more hands-on approach, the NDIA has released a provider learning environment designed to guide providers through the new ‘my NDIS’ provider portal. This learning environment offers walk-through tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions, making it easier for Plan Managers to familiarise themselves with new processes and systems. These tutorials cover everything from managing claims and tracking budgets to using the new features of the NDIS PACE system.
The learning environment is an invaluable tool for plan managers who want to ensure they fully understand PACE.
For Plan Managers, understanding the ins and outs of the NDIS PACE system is essential to ensure that your processes are updated and you are providing the best possible support for Participants. By embracing PACE, Plan Managers can improve efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and deliver better outcomes for NDIS Participants.
Careview’s Seamless Integration with the NDIS PACE System
Careview’s products seamlessly integrate with the NDIS PACE system, offering enhanced functionality for Plan Managers and Support Coordinators. Careview NDIS SyncPro integrates with PACE to streamline contract management for NDIS Participants and service providers. This integration allows users to create, modify, and terminate contracts instantaneously, significantly reducing administrative workloads.
PACE automates the contracting process, eliminating the need for double-entry and providing real-time visibility into contract statuses and financial arrangements. By reducing manual data entry, Careview’s NDIS SyncPro ensures greater efficiency, minimises errors, and guarantees full compliance with NDIS guidelines and regulations, making the management of contracts and funding more streamlined and accurate. Learn more about Careview’s NDIS Software Solutions and integration with PACE today!