+ How do I invoice clients who are members of UpsideDowns?
In order to fund SLT invoices, the following needs to be included: • Unique invoice number • Date of invoice • Name of speech therapist • Name of child/whānau • What is being charged, e.g. “2x SLT sessions” • Total cost including GST
+ Should I tell my clients with Down syndrome about UpsideDowns?
Yes, please! Although we have to operate a waitlist, we won’t know who to raise funds for if they don’t apply.
+ How often will my UpsideDowns member clients be reimbursed?
UpsideDowns members are reimbursed their chosen percentage of their SLT invoices each month. If they send us an invoice in March, for example, it will be reimbursed within the first five working days in April. Members are responsible for sending us their invoices on time, and invoices older than 3 months at the date of receipt are not reimbursed. You are welcome to contact us if you are having difficulty with payments from an UpsideDowns member.
+ How do I become a therapist that's funded by UpsideDowns?
We believe very strongly in whānau choice, and so we will fund any therapist who has current NZSTA-registration. In order to monitor this, we require the current Annual Practicing Certificate of the therapist to be on file before funding that therapist. We currently have over 60 different SLTs around the country who we fund.
We do not recommend specific SLTs to our members, only guide them upon request based on their parameters (usually location).
+ How much funding can a client with Down syndrome receive?
Once a family is taken off our waitlist, we are committed to finding funding for their child until they choose to resign or until their child turns 21. Families choose between the following three funding options each financial year:
Option 1: 50% of SLT costs up to an annual cap of $2,200 Option 2: 80% of SLT costs up to an annual cap of $1,100 Option 3: 100% of SLT costs up to an annual cap of $2,200 – this is for families facing significant financial hardship only and requires a separate application process.
At the end of each financial year (31 March), funding caps re-set, so even if a family reaches their cap during the year, the funding will become available again on 1 April each year.
+ What about extra costs like IEPs, assessments, travel etc.?
Invoices from the SLTs we fund can include the following: • SLT sessions • Consultations • Assessments • Participation in IEP meetings • Reports • Resources • Travel costs billed by the therapist We do not reimburse the following: • Late fees • Cancellation fees • Postage • Late payment fees
+ Do you cover late or cancellation costs?
No. During periods of Alert Levels 2-4, we have waived this policy. However, in general these are the responsibility of the family.
+ Do you cover tele-therapy?
Yes, definitely! We are satisfied with the evidence that suggests this is an effective option for the delivery of SLT services, and we can fund this form of SLT regardless of which Alert Level the country is at. We have also found a combination of teletherapy and in-person sessions to be of particular benefit to our more rurally-located members.
