Eligibility expansion to subsidised CGM and Flash GM through the NDSS
Updated 1 August 2022
Key information
- Access to subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) products through the NDSS is expanding to include all people with type 1 diabetes.
- Rollout of the expansion will commence on 1 July 2022.
- For people who are now eligible and registered with the NDSS, there are different processes to start accessing subsidised products. For most people, there are a few steps you will need to take. The exact date you can start purchasing subsidised products will depend on the pathway relevant to you.
- Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive notification from the NDSS confirming access and you will be able to start purchasing subsidised products through NDSS Access Points (usually a community pharmacy).
- For people with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who do not have concessional status, the co-payment you will pay is equivalent to $32.50 per one month’s supply.
Overview
Access to subsidised CGM and Flash GM products through the NDSS is expanding to include all people with type 1 diabetes. Rollout of the expansion will commence on 1 July 2022. From this date, all people with type 1 diabetes registered with the NDSS will be able to apply for access using the pathway relevant to them.
Pathways for access to subsidised CGM or Flash GM products
The process you will need to take to apply for access will depend on whether you have used CGM or Flash GM technology before (either accessed through the NDSS or directly from a product supplier). For most people, there are a few steps you will need to take. The exact date you can start purchasing subsidised products will depend on the pathway relevant to you.
- If you have type 1 diabetes and have previously participated in the CGM Initiative within the past six months (i.e., since 1 January 2022), you will be automatically re-activated on the CGM Initiative on 4 July 2022.
Download an information sheet for people who have previously accessed CGM or Flash GM through the NDSS - The streamlined pathway for active users of a CGM or Flash GM device which you self-fund has now closed (effective 31 July 2022). In order to apply for access to subsidised CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS you will need to see your diabetes health professional and they will need to complete a Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access Form.
- For other people, including new users of CGM and Flash GM technology and those who haven’t accessed recently, you will need to see your diabetes health professional to discuss which device is most suitable. You and your diabetes health professional will need to complete a form. It may take a number of weeks to get an appointment with your diabetes health professional and for the form to be processed.
Download an information sheet for new users of CGM or Flash GM technology
Support is available. Diabetes Australia and the NDSS will guide you through the relevant pathway and your diabetes health professional can provide assistance, education and training.
A summary of the pathways to commence access is provided below and more detailed information is included in the FAQs.
| About you | Pathway to commence access |
|---|---|
| I am over 21, have type 1 diabetes and have never used CGM or Flash GM technology before | You will need to see your diabetes health professional to discuss which CGM or Flash GM product is most suitable for you, and they will need to complete a Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access Form. |
| I am over 21, have type 1 diabetes and was previously eligible to access CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS within the past six months (i.e., since 1 January 2022) | You will be automatically re-activated on the CGM Initiative on 4 July 2022 with subsidised access to the same device you previously used. You will receive an email or SMS from the NDSS confirming your recommencement in the CGM Initiative. If you wish to use a different device, you will need to see your diabetes health professional to discuss which CGM or Flash GM product is most suitable for you, and they will need to complete a change of device form. |
| I am over 21, have type 1 diabetes and was previously eligible to access CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS more than six months ago (i.e., before 1 January 2022) | You will need to see your diabetes health professional to discuss which CGM or Flash GM product is most suitable for you, and they will need to complete a Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access Form. |
| I am an active user of a CGM or Flash GM device which I self-fund (i.e., not accessed through the NDSS) and have accessed product directly from a supplier between 1 January 2022 and 1 June 2022 | The streamlined pathway for active users of a CGM or Flash GM device which you self-fund has now closed (effective 31 July 2022). In order to apply for access to subsidised CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS you will need to see your diabetes health professional and they will need to complete a Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access Form |
| I have type 1 diabetes, but I don’t fall into any of the categories above | All people with type 1 diabetes are eligible to participate in the CGM Initiative. If you need assistance in applying for access to subsidised CGM or Flash GM products, please contact us via email on info@ndss.com.au or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700. |
Accessing products once confirmed
Once you have followed the process relevant to you and your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive notification from the NDSS confirming your access, and you will be able to start purchasing subsidised products through NDSS Access Points (usually a community pharmacy) for a co-payment equivalent to $32.50 per one month’s supply.
Please read the information relevant to your circumstances carefully to understand the pathway you need to take and the expected timeframe for when you can start purchasing subsidised products.
Support from your diabetes health professional
You may need to see your diabetes health professional (credentialled diabetes educator (CDE), endocrinologist/diabetologist, nurse practitioner, physician) to discuss which device is most suitable for you and have them complete a Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access Form. You can do this at your next regular appointment with them. It may take a number of weeks if you are trying to see them outside of your regular appointment.
Even if you are not required to see your diabetes health professional, you should maintain regular engagement for optimal diabetes management and up-to-date training and education on the use of diabetes technology. You should discuss this with them at your next regular appointment. More information is provided in the FAQs about how to access a diabetes health professional.
Read more about Preparing for your appointment with your diabetes health professional.
Information, resources, and education
The NDSS provides a broad range of information, resources and education sessions (including online webinars) about CGM and Flash GM technology. These resources and sessions are a great place to start before you try to get an appointment with your diabetes health professional if you are thinking about using CGM or Flash GM technology.
Current users of CGM and Flash GM devices accessed through the NDSS
If you are currently eligible for the CGM Initiative under an existing category you will continue to be able to access fully subsidised products through the NDSS for as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for that particular existing category. No action is required. If applicable, you will need to maintain valid concessional status. More information is provided in the FAQs regarding updating your concessional status.
Support and assistance
We’re here to help. If you have any questions, please contact us via email on info@ndss.com.au or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700. The NDSS Helpline will have extra staff to provide additional assistance and support to people with type 1 diabetes and health professionals during this change.
More information
Additional information is provided on the pages listed below, including helpful FAQs. It is important to read the information relevant to your circumstances carefully to understand the process you need to take and the expected timeframe for when you can start purchasing subsidised products. Start with the general information and then additional information relevant to you.
- General information for people with type 1 diabetes about accessing subsidised CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS under the expanded eligibility
- Additional information for new users of CGM or Flash GM technology
- Additional information for people with type 1 diabetes who previously accessed fully subsidised CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS
- Additional information for active users of CGM and Flash GM devices NOT accessed through the NDSS
- Additional information for people who currently meet the existing eligibility criteria for the CGM Initiative and have access to fully subsidised CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS
- Children and young people aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes
- Children and young people under 21 years with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes who require insulin
- People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have valid concessional status
- Women with type 1 diabetes who are actively planning pregnancy
- Women with type 1 diabetes who are pregnant or immediately post-pregnancy