101 | Navigating NDIS & Health Supports

Understanding NDIS & health supports for people with young onset Parkinson’s

Living with young onset Parkinson’s means navigating both the health and disability systems.

There are three main pathways for accessing care & support in Australia:

1. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
2. Medicare‑funded GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMPs)
3. Medicare‑funded allied health referrals under a GPCCMP

Some people may be eligible for one, two, or all three at the same time.

Some veterans may also be eligible for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) supports if their condition is service‑related or accepted under DVA legislation.

1. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS provides funding for people with a permanent and significant disability. It is not means‑tested and is not a welfare payment. It is designed to support independence, choice, and participation.

How eligibility works now

Following legislative reforms that commenced in October 2024, the NDIS now assesses eligibility and funding based on the functional impact of impairments, rather than diagnosis alone.

From 1 January 2025, new participants receive a Notice of Impairments when access is granted. Existing participants receive this notice progressively, usually at plan reassessment.

NDIS impairment categories

NDIS recognises six impairment categories:

1. Physical
2. Neurological
3. Cognitive
4. Intellectual
5. Sensory
6. Psychosocial

Parkinson’s commonly meets the neurological category and may also meet physical, cognitive, sensory and psychosocial categories depending on symptoms and impact.

A person may qualify under more than one category.

Access requirements for people with young onset Parkinson’s

To access the NDIS you must meet all of the following:

Age & residency

• Be under 65 at the time of application
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected SCV holder

Disability requirements

• Have a permanent impairment
• Experience a substantial reduction in functional capacity in one or more of the following areas:
  • Communication
  • Social interaction
  • Learning
  • Mobility
  • Self‑care
  • Self‑management

Parkinson’s appears on NDIS List B, and access depends on evidence of functional impact, not diagnosis alone.

Functional impacts may include:

• Motor fluctuations, rigidity, freezing, tremor, walking changes
• Fatigue, continence issues, sleep disturbance
• Changes to thinking, memory, motivation, or mood
• Reduced capacity to work, drive, manage tasks, or participate socially

Evidence required for access

At the time of application, the NDIA typically requires:

• An NDIS Access Request Form (ARF)
• Medical evidence from a GP or neurologist describing:
  • Diagnosis and permanence
  • Functional impacts
  • Expected progression
• A carer or household impact statement, if available

Why impairment categories matter

Funding can only be approved for supports that arise from the impairments listed in your Notice.

For example:

• Physical or neurological impairments may support funding for mobility aids, therapy, and home modifications
• Cognitive or psychosocial impairments may support psychology, counselling, or capacity‑building supports

If an impairment is missing or your condition changes, you can request a variation to your impairment notice.

What the NDIS generally funds for people with young onset Parkinson’s

Since reforms introduced in October 2024, the NDIS funds supports that are:

• Directly linked to your approved impairments
• Considered reasonable and necessary

Common funded supports include:

• Personal care and daily living supports
• Allied health therapies
• Assistive technology
• Home modifications
• Support coordination

Funding decisions are guided by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, updated annually.

Replacement supports

In limited situations, the NDIA may approve replacement supports. These replace an existing funded support and require NDIA agreement in writing. They are not additional supports.

Getting help

If you are unsure about eligibility or evidence, contact NDIS 1800 800 110 or your state or territory Parkinson’s organisation on 1800 644 189.

2. Medicare – GP Chronic Condition Management Plans (GPCCMPs)

From 1 July 2025, Medicare replaced GP Management Plans and Team Care Arrangements with a single GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP).

A GPCCMP is available to anyone with a condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, six months or more.

Parkinson’s meets this definition.

What a GPCCMP provides

A GPCCMP may include:

• A structured, documented care plan
• Coordination of care
• Referrals to allied health professionals

Under a GPCCMP, you can access up to five Medicare‑subsidised allied health visits per calendar year, shared across all allied health providers.

3. Allied health referrals under a GPCCMP

Your GP can refer you directly to allied health professionals such as:

• Physiotherapist
• Occupational therapist
• Speech pathologist
• Dietitian
• Psychologist
• Exercise physiologist

Referrals are now made by letter and are generally valid for 18 months.

The number of subsidised visits remains capped at five per year.

How the systems work together