NDIS Pricing Arrangements: 2026-27 Price Limits and Allied Health Changes

Statutory and policy framework

NDIS pricing is established through the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth) and the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document (formerly the NDIS Price Guide). These documents outline the framework for determining pricing for NDIS supports.

Section 35 of the NDIS Act provides the NDIA with the authority to set price limits for various supports delivered under the scheme. The NDIA publishes annual NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL), which come into effect from 1 July each year.

From 1 July 2023, the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) provides advice on NDIS pricing. An Annual Pricing Review process, including consultation with providers, allied health peak bodies and disability representative organisations, was introduced by the NDIA from 1 July 2024.

2026-27 changes

The 2026-27 NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits will take effect from 1 July 2026. These arrangements incorporate annual indexation and targeted adjustments to certain support categories.

Allied health hourly rates are being increased to address labour market and cost pressures. This change follows a period of consultation with the sector. Travel claim rules remain in place, permitting providers to claim for travel time between participant visits, subject to established caps.

The pricing structure continues to differentiate between metropolitan/regional (MMM 1-3), remote (MMM 4-5) and very remote (MMM 6-7) areas, applying appropriate loadings. Non-face-to-face support claims, such as report writing, will continue to be claimable under designated support items.

Plan management and self-managed participants

Plan-managed participants have flexibility in selecting providers. They may engage registered or unregistered providers and claim against the published price limits. Section 95 of the NDIS Act requires all participants to manage their plan in accordance with the published rules.

Self-managed participants also have broad choice regarding providers. While they can choose any provider, the calculation of their plan budget uses the published price limits as a reference point.

Agency-managed (NDIA-managed) participants are restricted to using NDIS registered providers. Plan managers, who support plan-managed participants, must hold NDIS registration as plan management providers and adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct.

Provider compliance obligations

Registered NDIS providers have specific obligations relating to pricing. Providers may not charge participants more than the published NDIS price limit for the support being delivered. Service agreements must be provided to participants, clearly outlining the services to be provided, associated fees, and cancellation policies, all in plain language.

Cancellation fees charged to participants must adhere to the rules outlined in the Price and Price Limits (PAPL). Currently, cancellation fees can be charged up to 100% for short-notice cancellations of certain supports. Registered providers must also comply with the NDIS Practice Standards and NDIS Code of Conduct as outlined in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission monitors provider compliance with these obligations. The Commission has the power to take enforcement action, including imposing civil penalties, banning orders, and infringement notices, under Part 4 of the NDIS Act. NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission powers