National Disability Insurance Scheme

National Disability Insurance Scheme

What is the policy issue?

The NDIA has published the 2024-2025 Annual Pricing Review. This review has informed the 2025-2026 Pricing arrangements and Price Limits, which takes effect from 1 July 2025.

In the review, the NDIA benchmarked the current NDIS price limit for Podiatry. They state that the current NDIS hourly price limit of $193.99, exceeds the Private Health Insurance (PHI) 75th percentile ($183.40 per hour) by 5.8% and the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) 75th percentile by 48% ($131.10 per hour).

They justify that given the size and consistency of this divergence; a gradual adjustment is proposed to minimise disruption within markets while moving toward a more appropriate price limit.

As a result of this analysis the NDIA will lower the price limit for supports delivered by a Podiatrist by $5 to a new national price limit of $188.99 per hour on 1 July 2025.

Additionally, travel remuneration has been reduced by 50%.

This analysis fails to consider the differences operating in these funding schemes. Rising costs, unpaid work required in the NDIS to make sure people can access what they need and high administrative burden makes this decision unfair, unreasonable and unsafe.

The consequences for people with foot and lower leg complications because of their disabilities is significant. Reduced access to podiatry services will increase their risks and can lead to a loss of independence and in severe cases amputation

What is APodA advocating for?

APodA is calling on the government:

  1. Immediately halt and review the NDIS Price changes for allied health professions determined to come into effect on July 1.
  2. Immediately reinstate travel and regional loading halt limits for allied health professions.
  3. Commit to engaging in a genuine consultation with the allied health community and facilitate the opportunity for meaningful co-design with participants who rely on these critical services.
  4. Minister for the NDIS Senator Jenny McAllister to exercise ministerial power and direct the NDIA to halt these changes immediately.

What has APodA been doing?

  • Published a statement on social media expressing disappointment for the decision and asking for change.
  • Written to Federal politicians including the Minister for Health, Disability and Aged Care, and the Minister for the NDIS.
  • Engaged directly with Senator Jordon Steele-John’s office. The Greens have subsequently put out a media release supporting the allied health community including podiatry.
  • Put out a snap poll to find out the impact of this decision on the podiatry community. The results revealed that:
    • 67% starting to decline referrals for people with complex disabilities
    • 67% ceasing travel to visit participants in their homes
    • 68% considering leaving the scheme
  • Following the poll, podiatrists have been invited to participate in a survey to build evidence and data to take to Government. Building evidence includes the development of real-world stories of the impact. Stories from people with disabilities who are potentially going to be affected by reduced access to podiatry supports.

APodA have also joined forces with the allied health community:

  • The meet with an Adviser in the office of the Minister for the NDIS, Senator Jenny McAllister.
  • To meet directly with the NDIA and the Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer to put the case for change. The NDIA is convinced that their analysis is sound and will be monitoring any changes in the volume of service delivery following 1 July. They also advised that they would be commencing a review of therapy supports across the sector. It is anticipated that this will occur later in 2025 and APodA will be seeking input from the podiatry community as part of this review.
  • Meeting with Mr. Pat Conaghan, MP along with dietitians, physiotherapists, speech therapists
  • Put out a Joint Statement
  • Launch a petition.

How can you get involved?

  1. Sign the petition and share with your networks
  2. Share APodA social media and comment to raise awareness
  3. Complete the survey to help us with evidence to take to Government.
  4. Provide a real-world story of a participant impacted by the changes
  5. Write directly to your Local Member of Parliament. Here is letter template to assist.