Policy & Legislation
NDIS provider overbilled $1M; 40% of audited claims non-compliant
Policy & Legislation
NDIS provider overbilled $1M; 40% of audited claims non-compliant
ABC News — Disabilities · 4 min read · 1 day ago
Original source
Summarised by Stellar
Key points5 points
- The NDIA found 40% of 10,000 sampled providers billed under 'other professionals' for disallowed services like personal training and decluttering.
- Price cap for 'other professionals' reduced from $194 to $156 per hour in July 2024, reducing incentive for overcharging.
- Service categories were split into smaller, more specific items to improve oversight and reduce incorrect billing.
- Government investing $350 million in a new digital payment system to enhance integrity and detect fraud.
- Proposed NDIS Act amendments will introduce new investigative and enforcement powers, potentially saving $36 billion over four years.
Summary
An NDIS provider pocketed over $1 million by charging $193.99/hour for personal training under the 'other professionals' category, nearly three times the recommended price. An NDIA audit found 40% of 10,000 sampled providers billed for non-compliant services, prompting the agency to raise debts and refer cases to the ACCC. The government has since reduced the price cap for this category to $156 and split service categories for better oversight, alongside a $350 million investment in a new digital payment system. Providers must ensure their claims align strictly with NDIS rules to avoid financial and legal repercussions.