Plan Management vs Self-Management vs NDIA-Managed: What Providers Need to Know

The Three Types of Plan Management

1. Self-Managed

What it means: Participants receive funds directly and manage their own budgets.

For providers:

• Can use registered OR unregistered providers
• More pricing flexibility
• Direct invoicing to participant
• Faster payment (usually)
• No NDIS price limits apply

2. Plan-Managed

What it means: A plan manager handles the financial administration on behalf of the participant.

For providers:

• Can use registered OR unregistered providers
• Invoice the plan manager, not the participant
• NDIS price guide generally applies
• Payment typically within 5-10 business days
• Plan manager handles claiming

3. NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)

What it means: The NDIA directly manages and pays for supports.

For providers:

• MUST be a registered provider
• NDIS price guide strictly applies
• Claim through the myplace portal
• Longer payment cycles possible
• Most administrative requirements

Market Breakdown (2024)

• Self-managed: ~30% of participants
• Plan-managed: ~25% of participants
• NDIA-managed: ~45% of participants

Strategic Implications

If you're unregistered:

You can serve approximately 55% of the market (self-managed + plan-managed).

If you want the full market:

Registration opens access to NDIA-managed participants.

Pricing considerations:

• Self-managed: Negotiate freely
• Plan-managed: Usually within NDIS price guide
• NDIA-managed: Strictly NDIS price guide