NDIA Accountability Project

This project is in DRAFT

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting Minutes - 18 May 2023

‹ PrevPage 1 of 6 · Source p. 740Next ›

Disclosure Log

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY DOCUMENT 61

National Disability Insurance Agency

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG)

Meeting: May 18th , Year 2023
Minutes

Date : Thursday, may 18 th year 2023 time : From one o’clock pm till two oclock pm Location : Microsoft Teams NDIA David Gifford |Chair| Scheme Actuary |By Teams| Kee s47F - personal priv |Branch Manager| Economics And pricing | By teams | Vincent s47F - Personal pr | Parg Secretariat |by TeamS | PARG Members: deborah S47f-person | Independent Member | BY TEAMS | jim S47F-pe | independent member |BY TEAMs | Julie S47F-Personal privacy,s2 |Independent Member |BY teamS | lynne S47F- personpriv |independent member |BY Teams |

  • Ndis Review Chairs: Bruce S47F-personality Privacy,S | Co-chair | by Teams | sLisa S47F-pers |Co-Chair |By Teams | stStephen S47F-perse |Member |By Teams | nDISIS review secretariat:james S47F-person Privacy.|First Assistant Secretary |By Teams | oJoanna S47F-person Privacy. |Assistant secretary |By Teams | rJames S47F-person Privacy.s22(1)(a) | NDisi Review Secretariat |By Teams |

1 Welcome and apologies

• Acknowledgment of Country. • Apologies for Lisa s47F pers who was absent from the meeting .

Introductions

• The Chair took a moment to introduce members present From Agency ,the four members Of Pricing Arrangements Reference Group And ndis Review panel Members (including the secretariat in nDIsI Reviw).

Overview OF THE Meeting

•The chair provided an overview on the meetings purpose To discuss progress On the annual price review and role of pricing arrangement reference group.

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

  • Given the NDIS review’s significance, the reference group expressed interest in engaging with the Review panel, sharing their perspectives, and seeking general conversation. The Agency adopted a minimalist approach to the price review considering ongoing NDIS reviews; draft recommendations will present on May 25th board approval followed briefings discussing these details scheduled after.

Reflection from PARG members (Page: [743/1049])

PARG member 1: The first highlighted concern about inadequate provider payment leading Temporary Transformation Payments being phased out now revolves around sufficient funding efficient service costs challenges obtaining accurate data participant access therapists health professionals resulting generous payments inflation time consider alternative approaches gather more informed insights.

PARG member 2 noted several pricing-related challenges availability enforceable information for decisions like aged care sector complexity numerous items considerations creates difficulties participants providers alike simplifying process exploring outcome-based models addressing quality issues important ensuring competitive broader market including aged care crucial avoid displacement. PARG member 3 agreed points raised other members highlighting three key aspects discussion firstly need using pricing manage scheme carefully analyse underlying factors driving cost increases ensure that policies inadvertently push quality providers out of effective decision-making secondly evolving number small providers while may bring personalized services further work examining prices registration requirements impact dynamics required overheads influencing potential variations structures caution must use evaluating implications mandatory registration explore alternatives control mechanisms avoiding unregulated third cautious consideration long-term deregulation goal NDIS achieve as develops acknowledging balance supply demand strong activation the demand side robust

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

quality control measures; deregulation could lead to price pressures and potential exploitation by unscrupulous providers. Drawing lessons from Victoria’s vocational education training experiences, prioritising quality controls ensures demand incentives are aligned.

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

issues associated with self-collected information. They emphasize the need for information in areas such as disability supports (with therapy), support coordination, testing plan management.

  • A PARAG member raises a quick point: first highlighting that they must explore agency powers/authority to collect this info., acknowledging its significance; secondly recognizing challenges ensuring compliance especially small providers.
  • The NDIS Review Secretariat questions obtaining necessary data speculating perhaps problem is alignment between provider systems & standardized approach submission.
  • A PARG member highlights difficulties aligning collection methods reporting formats accounting perspectives resulting uniformity needed in obtained data also mentioned compliance issue where providers expected report accurately but face significant challenge meeting requirements.

NDIA As Sole Purchaser

  • An NDIS Review member expresses interest leveraging position sole purchaser improve pricing service provision suggested more proactive approach providing list eligible providers transparent price lists agreed tender process drawing comparison pharmaceutical industry highlighted potential benefits selective listing approach like New Zealand to encourage competitive pricing quality services delivery. The Chair emphasizes importance of leverages NDIA’s position significant purchasers certain markets lower-cost capital items and support coordination acknowledged needing different economics these markets other areas expressed support using purchasing power maximize value. Also, recent budget announcements opportunity further make recommendations on matter discussed.

NDIS Review Paper

  • A PARG member mentions their publication assistive technology suggests referencing it for information however main point inquire progress ongoing review implications the PARG express interested understanding how outcomes influence decisions presented forthcoming report. it was noted a paper will be released addressing issues raised during discussion emphasized findings/recommendations aligned with those raised suggest referring upcoming document details provided.

Participant Choice And Control

A PARAG member highlights two constraints negotiation achieve better value Firstly products wheelchairs may require customization based individual needs making challenging standardize negotiations Secondly concept choice control current implementation scheme allows participants own decision regardless

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

The scheme’s recommendations. They raised whether providing information and price lists for customers or participants would be enough, or if mandating choices from these lists is needed.

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

raised about the impact of setting prices too low, which may lead to a focus on volume rather than quality.

Next Meeting

The Chair thanked everyone for their valuable contributions and engaging discussion. It was acknowledged that further conversations were needed, especially considering the upcoming release of the NDIS Review paper. •The Chair proposed scheduling the next meeting in early to mid-June, ensuring sufficient time for productive dialogue.