You may be finding it tricky to transition from ratio-based (focusing on hourly rates) to ‘apportioned pricing’ for group services. Apportioned Pricing involves a fixed hourly rate, multiplied by the support worker’s time and divided among the participants.
Here are some best practices that can help make the transition smoother.
1. Inform the participant and their families
It is crucial to let participants or their carers know about any changes to pricing and obtain their consent.
2. Justify the new apportioned pricing model
Explain to participants why the apportioned pricing model is better for your organisation, and how & why NDIS has rolled it out to provide better care and individualised support.
3. Demonstrate the working of the new pricing model and document their consent
To ensure participants understand the change, demonstrate and document their consent by signing the consent form/contract agreement.
4. Make the participants aware of flexible pricing
Give participants control over their budgets, and let them decide what they need. It can aid in receiving additional services like transport, non face-to-face, or one-to-one after support.
5. Create a Program of Support
A Program of Support (POS) is a plan with a fixed rate for the common service delivery among all the group participants. This allows organisations to control last-minute cancellations or participant drop-outs, preventing them from losing money.
