Leisure Networks is a NDIS disability service provider based in Geelong who recently announced the closure of their plan management service. It is likely that more plan managers will announce closures in the next 12 months, due to the proposed changes to the NDIS. We’ll explain why this is happening, how it works if your plan manager is closing and what to consider if you are thinking about switching to a different plan manager.
What are the changes?
Under NDIS reforms proposed by the government, from October 2027 a panel of government-approved providers would be established to provide plan management services. The new rules will also make it more difficult for organisations to offer plan management alongside other NDIS services. Although the legislation has not yet passed, some providers are making the decision now to focus on their other services and stop providing plan management. It is likely that over the coming months other plan managers may make similar decisions and will announce the closure of their services.
What to do if your plan manager is closing their service
In most cases, as is the case with Leisure Networks, you will be notified well before your plan manager is closing to ensure you have adequate time to find a new plan manager.
Often, the closing plan manager will have sold their business to another organisation and will assist participants to move to the new plan manager, as long as the participant agrees.
However, as a NDIS participant you have choice and control to choose who manages your NDIS funding. If you do not want to move across to the plan manager they are suggesting, you may choose a new plan manager.
Switching plan managers is simple
If you decide to choose a new plan manager, the good news is that switching is easy. You can change plan managers at any time during your plan, so it does not matter if you have just started a new plan, or are mid-way through, there will be no impact to your NDIS funding and no review is needed. The steps involved are as simple as:
- Choosing a new plan manager and reaching out to them. If you have a support coordinator, they can help you with this.
- Giving your new plan manager all the necessary details, they will let you know what you need.
- Endorsing your new plan manager with the NDIS (only if you have a PACE plan). You, your nominee or guardian need to confirm the new plan manager either on the NDIS portal or by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
Your new plan manager will take care of the rest, including letting your providers know about the change and processing any invoices that hadn’t yet been processed by the previous plan manager.
Why MyIntegra could be the right choice for you
At MyIntegra, we understand how important it is to participants who are plan managed to have the confidence that their NDIS funds are being managed correctly and that it might feel overwhelming if the plan manager you have chosen decides to close.
That’s why we make sure we have a friendly team of local NDIS plan management experts available to talk to you, providing guidance and support throughout your NDIS journey. NDIS participants choose MyIntegra for plan management because we have:
- Efficient invoicing processes, making the payment process as smooth as possible.
- Real people, based in Australia, who are ready to help you from 9am to 8pm (AET) Monday to Friday.
- Simple and easy to understand budget tracking using our online portal.
- Industry leading data security and protection, giving you the confidence your information is safe with us.
As a larger plan manager. MyIntegra expects to continue to provide Plan Management services following the reforms, so you can trust that we’ll be here to manage your plan for as long as you need us.
If you’re considering switching plan managers, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team today by calling 1800 696 347, emailing [email protected] or start a live chat, who will be pleased to help you through the switching process.
