Updated 6 February 2019 Government funding boost enables more people to access new glucose monitoring devices through the NDSS from 1 March 2019 The Australian Government is expanding subsidised access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) to support more people with diabetes, specifically those with high clinical needs. There will be no co-payment involved. From 1 March 2019, the following additional groups of people will be able to access fully subsidised CGM or Flash GM devices: People aged 21 years or older with type 1 diabetes, with valid concessional status, and who meet certain clinical needs criteria If you are 21 years or older, have type 1 diabetes, concessional status (e.g. a valid Commonwealth-issued concession card), and have a high clinical need as assessed by an authorised health professional, you may be eligible. More details are available at type 1 diabetes; aged 21 years and older with valid concessional status. Women with type 1 diabetes who are either actively planning pregnancy, are pregnant, or are in the immediate post-pregnancy period Women with type 1 diabetes will be eligible for up to 12 months subsidised access to CGM or Flash GM to support active pregnancy planning. Once pregnant they will be eligible for subsidised access during the pregnancy and for up to three months after the expected date of birth of the child. If you are a woman with type 1 diabetes and you are actively planning pregnancy, are pregnant, or in the post-pregnancy phase, you may be eligible. More details are available at type 1 diabetes; pregnancy/post-pregnancy. Children and young people aged under 21 years with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes who require insulin If a child or young person has a condition where there is a risk of hypoglycaemic episodes and active glucose monitoring is required, they may be eligible for subsidised CGM access. More details are available at conditions similar to type 1 diabetes; aged under 21. This initiative will save eligible people up to $7,000 annually. Since 1 April 2017, the Australia Government has provided fully subsidised access to CGM products through the NDSS for children and young people with type 1 diabetes; under 21 years of age. From 1 March 2019, as a result of a funding boost, over 37,000 Australians will be eligible for access to subsidised CGM and Flash GM products. Flash glucose monitoring and sensors to be subsidised through the NDSS Flash GM devices (Freestyle Libre) will be included in the program expansion from 1 March 2019 subject to price negotiations with the product sponsor. This will provide greater choice for people with diabetes in managing their health. For people with diabetes, families, those who may be eligible We understand that you may have questions about CGM devices and eligibility criteria and time frames. The NDSS team is here to help you. For more information or support, call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700. For NDSS Access Points The new arrangements start on 1 March 2019. For health professionals People who are eligible for subsidised CGM devices have been advised to talk to their health professional about their clinical needs and eligibility criteria. For more about this initiative announced on the Department of Health website.
