Plan-Managed Bookings: Getting Pre-Approvals Right

What pre-approval is (and why it matters for plan-managed claims)

Pre-approval means you (or your plan manager, with your input) confirm that a service or item is reasonable, necessary, and correctly set up in your plan before you book or pay. With plan-managed funding, you’re still responsible for making sure the purchase is aligned with your supports and funding rules, even though the plan manager handles the payments and claims.

For plan-managed bookings, pre-approval matters because it reduces the chance your claim is delayed or rejected. If the provider charges you for something that doesn’t match what your plan says (or doesn’t meet the right funding category), you may end up waiting longer for payment or having to pay the invoice yourself. It also helps you avoid “scope drift”, where the service provided is different from what was discussed in quotes and booking confirmations.

In practice, ask the provider to show you what they will deliver, the cost, and the type of support they’re providing. Use this information to confirm it fits your plan before committing. If you’re using MyMoney NDIS for plan management, you can often keep documents organised and make it easier to submit clear evidence when it’s time to claim (for example, quotes, treatment/support details, and invoices). If you’re unsure, My Care Finders can help you compare providers and check you’re choosing a service that fits your needs and booking expectations.

Key takeaway: Pre-approval helps ensure the support you book matches your plan, so claims are smoother and you’re less likely to face delays or out-of-pocket costs.

• Get a written quote and confirm what is included (and what isn’t).
• Ask whether the service is appropriate for your funding category before you book.
• Keep receipts, invoices, and any progress notes that explain the support delivered.