For participants with complex care needs, NDIS planning has never been simple. Multiple supports, high-intensity care, specialist equipment, and coordinated teams mean that even small changes to planning frameworks can have a big impact.
As the NDIS planning reforms roll into 2026, many participants and families are asking a very reasonable question: What does this actually mean for complex care plans, and should we be worried?
The short answer is this: complex care is not being removed or downgraded, but the way it is assessed, justified and funded is changing. Understanding how these reforms affect you is essential to protecting the supports you rely on.
Complex care is still recognised, but it will be assessed differently
The NDIS has been clear that participants with high and complex needs will continue to receive funded supports. What is changing in 2026 is how those needs are identified and documented.
Under the new planning framework, funding decisions are increasingly guided by support needs assessments rather than large volumes of external reports. For complex care participants, this means assessors will look closely at how much assistance is required to live safely and with dignity, iincluding personal care, overnight supports, behavioural support, clinical coordination and supervision.
In theory, this should improve consistency. In practice, complex needs do not always fit neatly into standardised assessment tools. Conditions that fluctuate, involve layered risks, or require preventative support can be difficult to capture in a single assessment conversation. This makes preparation and advocacy more important than ever in 2026.
Evidence still matters, even if the format is changing
There is a misconception that reports are no longer needed under the new planning model. In reality, evidence still plays a critical role for complex care, even if the NDIA is trying to reduce unnecessary paperwork.
For participants with high-intensity needs, evidence that explains why supports are required, not just what the supports are remains essential. This includes information about risks, unmet needs, consequences of reduced care, and the role each support plays in maintaining safety and wellbeing.
In 2026, the difference is that evidence needs to be clear, functional and outcome-focused, rather than overly clinical or repetitive. Plans that clearly link support hours to daily living needs and risk mitigation are far more likely to remain stable during reviews.
Funding may look clearer, but flexibility can feel tighter
One noticeable change in 2026 is how plans are presented. Budgets are increasingly shown as total funding amounts with defined funding periods, making it easier to see how long funds are intended to last.
For complex care participants, this clarity can be helpful, but it also means there is less room for trial-and-error spending. High-cost supports such as 24/7 care, complex personal support, or specialised supervision must be carefully managed to avoid funding shortfalls before the end of a plan period.
This places greater importance on realistic rostering, contingency planning and choosing providers who understand how to deliver complex supports sustainably, without compromising care quality.
Reviews may become more structured, and more frequent
Another shift participants may notice in 2026 is that plan reviews are becoming more structured and targeted. Rather than complete plan overhauls, reviews may focus on specific support categories or changes in circumstances.
For complex care participants, this can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it may reduce disruption when supports are working well. On the other, it means any gaps in documentation or unclear justifications can be flagged more quickly.
Having consistent providers, accurate progress notes and clear communication about changes in needs is one of the best ways to protect complex care supports under the new system.
Why provider choice matters more than ever in 2026
As the NDIS moves toward tighter definitions and stronger oversight, the experience of your provider becomes critical, especially for complex care.
Providers who understand the realities of high-support environments are better equipped to align care delivery with funding structures, document supports properly, and advocate when plans don’t reflect real needs. This is particularly important for participants requiring Supported Independent Living, high-intensity personal care, or coordinated multidisciplinary support.
In 2026, the gap between “basic service delivery” and true complex care expertise is becoming more visible.
How OrionCare supports complex care under the new NDIS reforms
At OrionCare, we work closely with participants who have complex and high-intensity support needs. We understand that reforms aren’t just policy changes — they directly affect safety, stability and quality of life.
Our approach focuses on:
- Delivering consistent, person-centred complex care
- Supporting participants to navigate planning changes confidently
- Aligning care delivery with evolving NDIS requirements
- Advocating for supports that reflect real, day-to-day needs
If you’re concerned about how the 2026 planning reforms may affect your complex care plan, or if you’re experiencing uncertainty during reviews, our team is here to help.
Frequently asked questions about complex care and the 2026 NDIS reforms
As the 2026 planning reforms roll out, many participants and families supporting complex care needs are asking similar questions. These are some of the most common concerns we hear.
Will the 2026 NDIS planning reforms reduce funding for complex care plans?
There is no official change stating that complex care funding will be reduced. However, funding decisions will rely more heavily on support needs assessments and clearer justifications. This means plans that clearly explain why high-level supports are required are more likely to remain stable.
Do I still need reports for a complex care plan in 2026?
While the NDIA aims to reduce reliance on multiple reports, evidence is still important for complex care. Reports, progress notes and provider documentation that clearly show risks, intensity of support and outcomes continue to play a key role, especially during reviews.
How do support needs assessments affect high-intensity supports?
Support needs assessments are designed to understand daily living requirements, safety needs and supervision levels. For participants with complex needs, it’s important that assessments accurately reflect real-life support requirements — including overnight care, behavioural support or medical oversight.
Will plan reviews happen more often for complex care participants?
Reviews may become more structured and targeted in 2026. Rather than full plan rewrites, the NDIA may focus on specific supports or changes in circumstances. Clear documentation and consistent care delivery help reduce unnecessary disruption.
What should I do if my complex care needs aren’t fully captured in my plan?
If your plan does not reflect your actual needs, seeking support from experienced providers and advocates is crucial. Early action, clear evidence and consistent communication can make a significant difference during reviews or reassessments.
Supporting complex care with confidence in 2026
The NDIS planning reforms in 2026 are not about removing complex care, they are about changing how it is assessed, explained and funded. For participants with high and complex needs, preparation, clarity and provider expertise matter more than ever.
At OrionCare, we support participants and families through these changes with a focus on stability, dignity and real-world care. If you’re unsure how the reforms may affect your complex care plan, or you need a provider who understands high-intensity supports, reach out to us.
With the right guidance and the right support team, complex care in 2026 can remain exactly what it should be consistent, person-centred and built around real needs, not just paperwork.