When a family, participant, carer or support team is considering an oral-care aid, the paperwork can feel as difficult as the product decision. The first step is not assuming an item will be funded. It is understanding how the participant’s plan is managed and what information the relevant payer needs before a purchase is arranged.
Arco Brush is a full-mouth sonic toothbrush with a flexible mouthpiece and guided brushing cycle. It may be worth exploring where traditional toothbrushing is difficult to complete consistently because of coordination, fatigue, dexterity, sensory preferences or the level of support needed. Whether it is appropriate or funded is individual.
First, check the participant’s funding pathway
The NDIA explains that self-managed participants are responsible for paying providers and making claims. Plan-managed participants have a plan manager who submits claims and pays providers on their behalf.1 This difference changes who should receive the invoice and who needs to confirm the purchase details.
| If the plan is… | Practical next step | Who needs the invoice? |
|---|---|---|
| Self-managed | Confirm the authorised payer’s name and email, then request a final tax invoice. | The participant, family member or authorised payer managing the purchase. |
| Plan-managed | Confirm the plan manager’s name, email and any purchase-order reference before the invoice is issued. | The named plan manager, with the participant/family retaining a copy for their records. |
| NDIA-managed | Speak with the support coordinator, plan manager or my NDIS contact before ordering. | The appropriate pathway depends on the participant’s arrangements. |
What to check before requesting an invoice
Before asking for paperwork, it helps to have the factual details ready: the participant’s name, NDIS number where required, delivery address, contact number, payer type, payer email and any plan-manager or purchase-order reference. This avoids an invoice needing correction after it has been issued.
For the product itself, consider whether a mouthpiece-style brush, vibration and a guided routine suit the individual. Oral-care routines can involve sensory comfort, fatigue, coordination, supervision, cleaning, charging and replacement parts. A product may be easier to order when the family or care team has discussed these practical matters first.
What a final tax invoice should help record
A clear invoice supports the payer’s record keeping. The NDIA says self-managed participants should keep records such as receipts, dates and notes connected with their claims, and retain receipts for five years.1
Arco’s final tax invoice includes the supplier details, item description, total amount, payment terms, bank details, payment reference and named recipient details. It is sent to hello@arcobrush.com.au and, when authorised, to the named plan manager or self-managed payer.
Funding is still an individual decision
The NDIA explains that low-cost assistive technology can include equipment or devices that help a person complete disability-related tasks. However, funding is assessed against individual needs, goals, safety, evidence and NDIS rules.2 A low price does not by itself confirm eligibility, and a professional recommendation does not guarantee funding.
If there is any uncertainty, speak with the participant’s plan manager, support coordinator, my NDIS contact or relevant health professional before purchase.
Next steps
If you need a quote, product details or a payment-ready final tax invoice, start with Arco’s NDIS ordering and tax-invoice support. If you are ready to prepare the details, use the Arco invoice form. Occupational therapists and support teams can also review the professional information hub.