Critics slam major backflip on NDIS therapy price cap
A huge change to the rate that therapists can charge for their services has been revealed. Here’s how it affects NDIS participants. Critics have slammed the move.
A major U-turn on music and art therapy has sparked concern from critics who ask when the expansion of the NDIS will stop.
Last year creative therapists copped a drastic pay cut under NDIS changes after a review found there was “little evidence” about their effectiveness.
Services that couldn’t prove their impact had their hourly rate cut from $194 to $68.
But an independent review released on Wednesday, spearheaded by health economist Dr Stephen Duckett, said there was evidence that the therapy was beneficial.
“It is clear that art and music therapies can be effective, and event life changing, for some people with disability,” he said.
However, while he backed music and art therapy as beneficial, he reduced the maximum rate qualified therapists can charge down from $191 to $156.16 an hour.
Other music and art activities that are not run by qualified therapists can still be accessed by NDIS participants who have funds in their plans for them, but the provider can only charge up to $68 per hour.
Spinal Life Australia Chief Executive Mark Townend said he would have preferred the government to have spent the money on music and art therapy on boosting occupational therapy fees and travel costs, which were recently cut, especially for participants in regional areas, who are seeing a reduced service.
“They’ve reduced OT (occupational therapy) fees and particularly regional travel,” Mr Townend said.
“They should consider those before music and art therapy as far as we are concerned.”
The decision to include music and art therapy on the NDIS, sparked Aussies to take to social media to complain about the scheme’s resources.
“Next do tradie jobs. I see utes with the “I love NDIS” stickers all over the place. I’m guessing that they are making a killing from this scam,” one wrote.
Another added: “Got a paintbrush? You’re a therapist now!!”
“Every plan is bloated, with some actual therapists but most with a whole lot of junk.”
Dr Duckett’s review made 19 recommendations to the NDIA about a range of therapies including drawing, writing, sculpting, drama, clay, sand, dance and movement.
It reports that from 2023-2024 there were more than 14,000 participants in art and music therapy, with more than 3,000 providers across the country.
Professor of Public Service Research at the School of Business, University of New South Wales, Canberra Helen Dickinson said the move was a positive one, but warns it will not be the end of the story.
“I think it’s really positive that it’s been kind of acknowledged that there are some potential value to music therapy when they are delivered by the kind of appropriately qualified professionals,” Ms Dickinson said.
Minister for the NDIS Senator Jenny McAllister said the decision, which will be enforced on November 24, was to prevent people with disabilities overpaying.
“Eligible participants who access art and music therapy can be confident that they are being supported by qualified therapists, recognised by a professional association,” she said.
“We’re also making sure that the price of therapies is in line with the cost of other government services, so people with disability aren’t paying a higher price than other Australians.”
Wednesday’s announcement forms part of a broader government effort to rein in NDIS spending, which is forecast to cost more than $52 billion this financial year.
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Originally published as Critics slam major backflip on NDIS therapy price cap
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