The NDIS has announced it will change how much it pays for art and music therapy.
It said these services “do not meet the evidentiary standards” required to qualify as therapy.
The decision is part of broader changes to the NDIS, set to come into effect in February next year.
Advocates have criticised the move, calling it a “significant step backward”.
NDIS
The NDIS is a Government service that provides support for more than 680,000 Australians with disability.
If a person meets an eligibility checklist, they can claim support for assistive technology and objects, or assistance delivered by an NDIS-approved provider. These supports are available under a time-limited plan.
Participants are allocated a personal budget to help cover everyday items, transport, help with daily activities and broader social interactions. Budgets are calculated by “what is reasonable and necessary” for participants.
Reforms
Earlier this year, the Government passed a law to update the list of support services available to NDIS participants.
It did so because of concerns about the ongoing cost of the NDIS.
Internet, gym memberships, marriage counselling, wellness coaching and sex services were among the list of things removed from NDIS coverage.
There is a “transition period” to “ensure participants aren’t penalised for simple mistakes” until October 2025.
Music and art therapy
On Tuesday, the NDIS released a statement saying that following the Government’s law, it would change how it funds music and art therapy.
Currently, the rate the NDIS pays for a one-on-one session of music or art therapy is $193.99.
Under the changes, the rate will change to $67.56 for one-on-one sessions.
This means the amount that music and art therapy providers can charge the NDIS for sessions will more than halve.
In its announcement, the NDIS said that its support coverage focuses on “evidence-based therapy” aimed at improving or maintaining participants’ functional capacity.
It said that art and music therapy do not meet the standards required to be classified as such under its guidelines.
The Australian Music Therapy Association said it had been informed music therapy was being removed from the NDIS category for “Capacity Building” supports.
“No one in the music therapy community was consulted about this decision,” it said.
Government
Speaking to ABC radio, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said that while he “absolutely” believes in music and art therapy, the NDIS is seeking ”outcomes for the money that [it’s] investing”.
Shorten said that anyone who can currently access music and art therapy under their plan at the $193.99 rate can do so until it ends.
“After that, we just need to see it demonstrated that it’s actually helping you… What we’re not doing is just signing a blank cheque… because you do a music class,” Shorten said.
Advocates
The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA) is the peak professional body for creative arts therapies in Australasia.
ANZACATA CEO Dr Kate Dempsey said the “sudden exclusions” have “left the profession reeling”.
“We were not consulted and the reason given for our sudden exclusion (that art and music therapy are not evidence-based therapies) is incorrect,” Dr Dempsey said.
