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Changes to the NDSS for health professionals

Published 1 July 2022

Eligibility expansion for all people with type 1 diabetes to access subsidised CGM and Flash GM products through the NDSS

Changes from 1 July 2022

From 1 July 2022, the eligibility criteria to access continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) products through the NDSS will be expanded to include all people with type 1 diabetes. From this date, all people with type 1 diabetes will be able to apply for access to CGM and Flash GM products using the process relevant to them. Once approved, eligible people will be able to access subsidised CGM and Flash GM products through NDSS Access Points (usually a community pharmacy) for a co-payment equivalent to $32.50 per one month’s supply.

There are no changes for people with diabetes who currently access fully subsidised CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS. People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who hold valid concessional status will continue to receive fully subsidised CGM and Flash GM products, that is, no co-payment will be required.

Download an information sheet for health professionals about the eligibility expansion to subsidised CGM and Flash GM products through the NDSS

Newly eligible people with type 1 diabetes

The process a person with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older will need to take to start accessing subsidised products will depend on whether they 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 they will need to take. The exact date they can start purchasing subsidised products will depend on the pathway relevant to them.

A summary of the pathways for people with type 1 diabetes to commence access is provided below.

About youPathway to commence access
I am over 21, have type 1 diabetes and have never used CGM or Flash GM technology beforeYou 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 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. 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 2022You will need to have accessed CGM or Flash GM products directly from a supplier between 1 January 2022 and 1 June 2022. Complete the online form available at ndss.com.au/cgm-expansion-form/. If the information you provide can be validated with the supplier of your current device, your access to subsidised products will be automatically enabled and you will receive notification. This pathway will be open on 1 July 2022 with access to subsidised CGM or Flash GM products possible from mid-July 2022.If your information cannot be validated, 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 aboveAll people with type 1 diabetes are eligible to participate. If you need assistance in applying for access to subsidised CGM or Flash GM products, please contact us via email on [email protected] or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700.

Diabetes Australia and the NDSS will guide eligible people through the relevant pathway, and they will be encouraged to consult with their diabetes health professional for assistance, education and training. It will be important to support people with diabetes to understand the exact date they can expect to start purchasing subsidised products as well as expected wait times for an appointment with their diabetes health professional.

Certifying access

Many newly eligible people will need to see their diabetes health professional to decide which is the most suitable CGM or Flash GM product, to receive training and guidance on use, and to have them complete a Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access Form. Health professionals can complete this form through the new NDSS Health Professional Portal or by using the form available to print from the NDSS website. People with diabetes will be encouraged to do this at their next regular appointment with their diabetes health professional.

If completing the access form online through the NDSS Health Professional Portal, if all required information is supplied, the form will be processed, and the person’s access confirmed within minutes. If a printed form is being submitted, it may take up to two weeks to be processed and confirmation sent, once the form is submitted to the NDSS.

There are no changes to the health professionals authorised to certify Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access forms. Only authorised health professionals whose usual scope of practice includes the ongoing management and care of people with type 1 diabetes and are listed on the Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access Form relevant to you can certify your access. These are:

  • credentialled diabetes educator (CDE)
  • endocrinologist/diabetologist
  • nurse practitioner
  • physician
  • paediatrician

Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitoring Access forms cannot be certified by a general practitioner (GP) or practice nurse.

People who currently meet the existing eligibility criteria and have access to fully subsidised CGM or Flash GM products through the NDSS

The eligibility criteria for access to fully subsidised CGM and Flash GM products (i.e., no co-payment) through the NDSS have not changed for the existing categories:

  • children and young people aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes
  • 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, pregnant, or immediately post-pregnancy
  • children and young people under 21 years with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes who require insulin.

If a person is currently eligible under an existing category, they will continue to be able to access fully subsidised products through the NDSS for as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for that particular existing category. No action is required. If applicable, they will need to maintain valid concessional status.


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Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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