Taking the first steps on your NDIS journey doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. But it is perfectly normal to have many burning questions about what steps you have to take and what is required of you, or how to get what you need from providers.
You may know that there are three ways to manage your NDIS funding; self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed. And the benefits of each management option will depend on what you want to get out of your NDIS plan and your individual goals.
So now you may have decided to have your NDIS managed by a Plan Manager. But how do you navigate the market and choose the right Plan Managers who will help you be your best?
Choosing a Plan Manager doesn’t have to be hard work. ISM’s expert Plan Managers have put together three handy hints to help make your decision easier!
- They offer you choice and control
A good Plan Manager will give you choice and control to make decisions that will benefit you and help you achieve your goals. Ask yourself:
- Do you have access to a client portal?
- How accessible is the Plan Manager (are they able to be contacted, how quickly can they respond to your requests, are they working in your best interest?)
- Do you feel empowered and informed?
- Do they help you build your capacity?
Remember, a good Plan Manager will put your independence first and make a point to connect with you.
- They have prompt invoice processing capabilities
The Plan Manager is able to provide statements and reports promptly to you. They also allow you to approve or decline invoices.
ISM clients can enjoy the knowledge that their invoices will be paid in a minimum of two days.
Our Plan Managers are also accessible through website livechat, email, a 1800 number and mobile.
- Experience and independence
Finally, a Plan Manager must be independent from any large or medium organisation.
This to make sure you are protected from any potential conflicts of interest that may arise. An example of a conflict of interest is the Plan Manager only recommending certain providers who are in an arrangement with the organisation.
This can limit your choice and control when it comes to choosing and making decisions about services or service providers.
As a participant, you need to rely on your Plan Manager to give you unbiased but expert services when it comes to NDIS pricing and processes.
If you have any more questions or concerns about choosing the right Plan Manager for you, call ISM’s team today. We can answer any NDIS and Plan Management question for you.
Contact us today! Or call 1800 954 559.
For more information about Plan Management, read ‘3 Ways To Make NDIS Plan Management Easy‘.