In times like these access to healthcare is more important than ever – especially given the current COVID-19 outbreaks across Australia.

For those who experience disability, the pandemic is causing stress, anxiety, and, not-to-mention, health risks. For Support Coordinators, there are concerns too to ensure uninterrupted and safe care.

Improving access to testing is essential. And it’s something the NDIS is allowing participants (and their Coordinators) to use funding flexibly for.

Access to RATs made easy

As of January 2022, it’s been confirmed that NDIS participants are able to use their funding to purchase COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests.

In a statement, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said, “We know that rapid antigen tests are an important tool for ensuring that participants continue to access their disability-related supports.”

Participants can now use their core funding to purchase RATs for themselves, and for their support workers to help ensure supports can be safely provided.

The provision allows:
– The majority of NDIS participants to gain free rapid antigen tests.
– Temporary NDIS program participants and providers to claim up to $12.50 per rapid antigen test where support workers are required to undergo testing to provide supports safely.

More information about eligibility can be found here.

We can help

We’re pleased to see that the NDIS is allowing participants to use their funding for RATs. And see it as essential for participants to be able to receive safe supports – and to give peace of mind to Support Coordinators, participants and their families alike.

myAutonomy CEO John Drill said, “Access to antigen tests for those who experience disability and their carers is a critical tool for keeping the community safe through the pandemic.”

At myAutonomy, we can purchase RATs on your behalf and have them sent straight to your door. We do the order, pay, and claim via myOneStepPay, doing the heavy lifting – all so you don’t have to.

We believe in flexibility

When it comes to NDIS funding, we believe the choice should be yours. We empower our participants to use their funding flexibly to spend on what is most beneficial for them.

Have questions about using NDIS funding to buy RATs or using your funds flexibly? It’s our aim to make the process as simple as possible. We’re always on hand to help.

Get in touch today to see how we can help make your role easier. Email us at [email protected] or call us on 1300 60 33 89.