Continuous glucose monitoring now subsidised for all Type 1 diabetes sufferers
The Federal Government is investing $273.1 million over four years to provide subsidised continuous glucose monitoring devices to all 130,000 Australians with Type 1 diabetes.
The devices, which monitor blood glucose levels without the need for finger pricks and previously cost up to $5,000 per year, will now be accessible by Australians aged 21 years and over through pharmacies for a co-payment of $32.50 per month, or $390 per year.
Anyone with diabetes already eligible for CGM products under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), including people under 21, concession card holders, and people who are pregnant, post-pregnancy or trying to become pregnant, will continue to receive them for free.
According to Mark Butler, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the move delivers on an election promise.
“We are supporting tens of thousands of adults who would otherwise miss out and providing certainty for young people who currently have access.