Fair Pricing for people with Parkinson’s accessing providers

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has established rules to ensure that pricing is fair and transparent for all participants. NDIS has a fair pricing policy to ensure participants are not overcharged for goods and services. Here’s an overview of the policy and what you can do if you believe you’ve been unfairly charged:

What is fair pricing?

Fair pricing means that there should be no significant price difference between the cost of a product or service for an NDIS participant compared to other customers. Providers must have a valid reason for any price difference, and if they cannot justify it, they may be in breach of the NDIS Code of Conduct. This policy ensures fairness and transparency, helping participants feel confident in accessing the supports they need.

  • No Price Discrimination: Providers are not allowed to charge NDIS participants higher prices for goods than they would charge non-NDIS participants. For example, a provider cannot sell a product like a shower chair at a higher price to an NDIS participant than to someone outside the scheme.
  • Transparency: Providers must clearly communicate their pricing and justify any differences in costs. This ensures participants understand what they are paying for and why.
  • Code of Conduct: All providers must adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct, which includes rules about fair pricing. Breaches of this code can result in penalties.

How to access providers

To access providers, you can start by consulting your General Practitioner (GP) or neurologist, who can refer you to appropriate specialists and allied health professionals. You can also use resources like the Health Direct website to find neurologists and other healthcare providers with a special interest in Parkinson’s.

How to file a complaint

If you believe you are being overcharged or have concerns about the quality of services, you can take the following steps:

  1. Do a price check: Compare the prices of similar products or services online.
  2. Check your service agreement: Ensure you have received everything listed in the written agreement. If you don’t have a copy, request one from your provider.
  3. Talk to your provider: Ask them to explain any price differences.
  4. Contact the NDIS Commission: If you cannot resolve the issue with your provider, you can email pricehelp@ndiscommission.gov.au or call 1800 035 544.
  5. Escalate Further: For broader consumer rights issues, such as misleading conduct or faulty goods, you can also report the matter to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Regulations for providers

Providers must adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct, which includes rules about fair pricing. They must act with honesty, integrity, and transparency when pricing their products and services. If a provider breaches the Code of Conduct, they may face penalties, including fines and the possibility of losing their NDIS provider status.

References

Know your rights and how to file a complaint: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/rules-and-standards/ndis-code-conduct/fair-pricing

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