What Does the NDIS Music and Art Therapy Pricing Review Mean for Participants
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
At Uconnex Community Services, we are dedicated to keeping our community informed about the important developments within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and any recent developments from the government.
Recently, the NDIA has announced a review specifically focused on the pricing of music and therapy supports, which has generated a lot of discussion among participants, their families and carers, as well as the providers. Understanding the purpose and potential outcomes of this review is crucial for everyone involved in accessing or providing these valuable therapies.
What is the review, and why is it happening?
The NDIA, or the National Disability Insurance Agency, is the agency in charge of implementing the scheme. Recently, they conducted an independent review to ensure that the pricing of music and art therapy is appropriate and reflects the effectiveness of these therapies for participants. The NDIA appointed Dr Stephen Duckett, an experienced health economist, to explore the following:
Effectiveness of music and art therapy: The review will assess the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of the therapy in achieving positive outcomes for people with disabilities. This includes examining research on how these therapies can improve functional capacity, well-being and social participation.
Qualifications and registrations of practitioners: Considering these factors for professionals providing the therapy within the NDIS framework is crucial for ensuring quality and safeguarding participants.
Appropriate pricing structures: A key focus of the review is to determine fair and appropriate pricing levels for the music and art therapy supports, considering factors such as practitioner expertise, service delivery models (individual vs group) and the value these provide to participants.
What does this mean for NDIS participants currently accessing this?
It’s important to note that the current arrangements for accessing music and art therapy will continue during the review process. Participants who have these therapies included in their NDIS plans can continue to receive them at the current price levels. The review is specifically about the pricing structure and the evidence supporting these therapies, not about removing them as eligible supports altogether.
What can you expect from the outcomes?
While the final outcome of the review is yet to be determined, it’s important for participants and their families to be aware of the potential future implications. Some of them include:
No immediate changes: As mentioned before, there will be no changes to pricing or access until after the review is completed and the NDIA has considered its findings. You can expect the final report to be released around the 17th of April, 2025.
Focus on evidence-based practice: The review emphasises the importance of evidence demonstrating the benefits of these therapies in improving or maintaining a participant’s functional capacity, which would provide better insight not only for the participants but for providers as well.
Potential adjustments to pricing: Depending on what is found in the review, there could be adjustments to the hourly rates or how these therapies are funded in the future.
Continued inclusion of music and art therapy: Regardless of the pricing review outcomes, the NDIS has stated that music and art therapy will remain part of the NDIS for eligible participants. Providers should be able to continue providing these services for participants who have these therapies as part of their care plan.
How can the Uconnex community stay informed?
We are committed to keeping you updated on the progress and outcomes of this important review. In the meantime, we encourage you to regularly check the official NDIS website for updates on the review. You can also talk to your support coordinator to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about how the review might affect your plan and any other changes it may bring to your lifestyle. The NDIS is dedicated to ensuring the best for its participants, and this review aims to bring them one step closer to achieving this goal.
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References
Review into music and art therapy update | NDIS
National Disability Insurance Agency | NDIS
Latest news | NDIS
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