What you need to know about PACE: Part 1

October 24, 2023myAutonomy NDIS

You may have heard that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is rolling out a new computer system known as PACE.

Chances are you’re curious about when this will happen, how this might impact you, and how it works. Fortunately, we’re here to explain in part one of this handy guide (yes, there is part two coming, given how much information there is to digest).

Feel free to save this page as a favourite in your browser in case you have questions in the future.

The what and why of PACE

PACE is a new computer system being rolled out by the NDIA. PACE will replace the current computer system used by the NDIA and replace the myplace portal.

It’s expected that the new platform will be more user-friendly and will better support participants and providers. It will provide an improved experience for participants, make systems and processes more consistent across the country, and provide clearer information when decisions are made.

For the past year or so, a trial of PACE has been completed in Tasmania. As of late October 2023, there will be a staggered rollout nationally. This is expected to take roughly 18 months to complete in full.

Onboarding to PACE

Given the rollout will take some time, there’s nothing you need to do right now.

Existing participants won’t be onboarded to PACE immediately. New participants will be on-boarded first, with existing participants likely to make the switchover once their plan renews.

Providers will be able to see if their participants have migrated to PACE if they can no longer create a service booking for the participant in the myplace portal. An error message will also display if a claim request is made to indicate the transition.

Changes to new NDIS plans and planning meetings

Alongside the new system, some changes will apply to NDIS plans. For participants, when a plan is roughly four months before its reassessment date, an NDIS representative will be in touch to discuss how the plan is progressing and whether changes should occur in the new plan.

This is also an opportunity to confirm whether the participant would like to continue plan managing in the same way––whether self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIS-managed.

Once a discussion with the NDIS representative has occurred, the following will happen:

Same or similar plans:
If the new plan is similar, the NDIS will use the current budget as a guide and participants won’t need to provide as many additional reports and information. (There is still scope to make small changes to the new plan as needed.)

Different plans:
If the new plan is different to the current plan, the NDIS representative will work with the participant to develop a new plan. A planning meeting may be required in addition.

Planning meetings:
Participants will only need to attend a planning meeting if there are substantial changes to their plan.

Plan implementation meetings:
Optional plan implementation meetings will also be offered to participants where they can discuss with the NDIS representative making the most of their budget, managing supports, and help with service agreements.