Hearing Services Program and National Disability Insurance Scheme Arrangements from 1 July 2020
The Australian Government has finalised the transition arrangements between the Hearing Services Program (HSP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The arrangements will ensure minimum disruption to clients. NDIS participants who are eligible for the HSP will continue to receive services from HSP.
After 30 June 2020, the HSP will continue to operate alongside the NDIS. The HSP eligibility criteria and the services it delivers will not change, but the services and supports available to NDIS participants through their NDIS plan may. NDIS participants may access both the HSP and the NDIS at the same time, but will not be able to access the same services from both programs at the same time. Once an NDIS participant has HSP equivalent services included in their NDIS plan, they will lose access to the HSP.
Hearing services arrangements from 1 July 2020
NDIS participants who are eligible for the Voucher component of the HSP
There is no change to the way NDIS participants, who are eligible for the HSP Voucher component, access hearing services. This client group will continue to receive their hearing services through the HSP. They may also be able to access additional supports not provided through the HSP, such as complementary technology and other services, through their NDIS plan. Service providers should encourage these clients to discuss their individual needs with their NDIS planner. Further information is available on the NDIS website.
NDIS participants who are eligible for the Community Service Obligation component of the HSP
There is no change to the way NDIS participants who are eligible for the HSP Community Service Obligation component (CSO) access their hearing services. This client group, including children and young adults aged 0 to 26 and complex adults, will continue to receive services through the CSO component of the HSP, with Hearing Australia as the provider. They may also be able to access additional supports not provided through the HSP, such as early intervention services, Auslan language development and technology through their NDIS plan. Service providers should encourage these clients to discuss their individual needs with their NDIS planner. Further information is available on the NDIS website.
NDIS participants who are not eligible for the HSP
Clients who are only eligible for the HSP due to being NDIS participants will continue to receive hearing services through the HSP until either their current Voucher expires, or they have HSP equivalent services included in their NDIS plan. NDIS participants will then receive all their hearing services through the NDIS.
If HSP contracted service providers wish to provide HSP-like hearing services to these clients after they lose their HSP eligibility, the service provider will need to register with the NDIS.