Dramatically increased subsidy for insulin pumps
Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon MP, has announced an expansion of the Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program, with a dramatically increased government subsidy of up to 80% of the purchase price of an insulin pump.
The program was first launched in 2008 and provides a means-tested subsidy towards the purchase of an insulin pump for children under 18 who do not have access to private health insurance.
In Australia insulin pumps can cost up to $8,000, making them a medically desirable but unaffordable option for many without private health rebates.
Children under 18 with type 1 diabetes will now be eligible, on the recommendation of a health professional, for a subsidy of up to 80% of the cost of an insulin pump, to a maximum of $6,400 and a minimum of $500.
The subsidy will be means-tested and based on a sliding scale reflecting gross family income.
This program will potentially impact around 500 Australian children with type 1 diabetes who would benefit from moving from multiple daily insulin injections of insulin pump therapy.
JDRF CEO Mike Wilson said increased access to insulin pumps had the potential to dramatically change many hundreds of lives.
“Children with type 1 diabetes face a huge strain juggling the management diabetes with the demands of daily life. We know that insulin pumps can make this daily and lifesaving management much easier.”
“More importantly, pumps are the best way for many patients to improve their chances of a healthy future, making this subsidy a win-win for people with type 1 diabetes and Australia’s health system.”
The Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program is a collaboration between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Department of Health and Ageing.
For more information for patients about the Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program, please contact Chanelle Stowers on 02 9966 0400 ext 223 or cstowers@jdrf.org.au.
Alternatively, visit our website for more information and the online subsidy estimator.
Show your support for the insulin pump subsidy
Send a thank you message to the Hon Nicola Roxon MP for increasing the government subsidy.
While my son has no interest in being on a pump I think that it's great that the government have increased the subsidy for pumps. I don't believe that it should be means tested – up to a point….and it shouldn't have an age limit. Type 1 is a life long illness and everyday is a battle, why should it matter if you are 6 or 60? While this is a step forward in the right direction the only real saviour will be a cure, we need the government to put more money into research into a cure for this chronic illness. While some people might see the numbers of Type 1 as not being "astronomical in comparison to other illnesses" – I think 140,000 diagnosed and growing at 3% every year is too many – especially when so many of those numbers are children.
I just wish the scheme had been extended to any one what ever their age with type 1 diabetes on a low income
i agree sue i have a21 year daughter who always seems to be the wrong age
I agree We are a single income family with 2 kids and my husband is type 1 a pump is out of reach for us and we cant afford private cover so we too would have like it to be available to all who have type1 as they all deserve the same benefits in there lives too.
Sue,
My son has an insulin pump and we are so grateful for the changes it has made for his life. I am so pleased the government has shown the compassion and understanding to provide this subsidy for children. Perhaps if we all show our gratitude by sending the above simple message, then the subsidy may be extended to all type1's! After all, the number of type 1's is not astronomical in comparison to some other disease sufferers. Best wishes
Christina
Now lets push for subsidy on sensor conumables.
We are so thankful to live in a wonderful, blessed country like Australia where these benefits are possible for families. Our thanks go to JDRF and compassionate politians.
Never mind anyone over 18 who is studying or low income. Way to emphasise the type 1 stereotype.
I agree with the sentiments of other posts. We have only just taken out private cover for the express purpose of providing my 10 year old daughter with a pump. This was not done without some sacrifices for the rest of my family.
The change in her demeanor and confidence has been dramatic. This is not something that should be means tested. There is always someone who doesn't meet the criteria but suffers the same issues.
Thanks
Graham
I agree with the comments above, it seems to be that once you reach 18 you are forgotten about, my husband who has passed away had Type 1 and when he was in his early 20's sometimes he couldn't afford to get insulin from the chemist and sometimes ended up in hospital. These people mostly get it as Juveniles and in my sons case, he has had it since he was 2, so he's had almost all of his life, it doesn't stop once they reach an adult and it concerns me once my son becomes an adult. But in saying all that it is still great that this subsidy has been increased.
I'm a long standing type one diabetic. Diagnosed in the days when urine testing was the only way to measure glucose. I was the first child to be given a "Stan Clarke" blood machine. I have seen many changes over the 32 years of IDD. I'm mad though. I have just been release from hospital after heart surgery – my first complication – yes I had a heart attack – I have always looked after my self. I successfully had a baby 9 years ago. I have been through so much over the years – why can't I have a pump subsidy? Don't get me wrong – I am very happy for the children out there, I guess it feels like I did when I got the first machine. But it won't be long and us long standing type one diabetics will start to fail – how is that fair? I'm sorry Christina – I don't agree with you – your son is obviously young and I'm grateful that he has a pump and you can thank our government that he won't have to face the complications that us long standing diabetics will.
Sarah
Type 1 Diabetes does not work according to chronological age. I believe it should not be means tested and neither should the consumables. However it is important to recognise the change and Improvement this initiative has indicated. It is a move in the right direction so we should aknowledge this.
I am concerned by the initial cost of the pumps and the consumables. I see that cost of most technology is reducing and the scope of the capabilities increasing.
Whilst I am grateful the pump is available I wonder how the companies who make and supply them continue to exploit their consumers by asking such a price in the first place. Not only that they are guaranteed continued profits from the consumables patients need.
The Australian government should be applauded for the subsidy. Pump manufacturers should be ashamed of themselves.
The subsidisation of the insulin pump by the government is a step in the right direction. Please support this initiative.
http://www.jdrf.org.au/blog/2010/02/08/dramatical...
Although this new scheme doesn't include over 18's, it is a step in the right direction.
I'm pleased for this!!
We are new to the 'Diabetes family' with our daughter being diagnosed 14mths ago, and this news is great as we were planning to extend the mortgage to pay for a pump, but as many others have said – what about those over 18.
Im glad that Diabetes has been recognised as a disease needing attention and extra care, however not enough is being done to support us with overall costsand issues of raising a Diabetic child or living with Ddiabetes. My child is 5 and was diagnosed a year ago. Im happy that she may be able to get a pump with the help of this subsidy, but i dont believe it should be means tested. It still makes it quite unaffordable for the average income earner. I also agree with all others, there should be no age limit to this subsidy as it is a life long illness for EVERYONE and we all go through the same thing day in and day out nomatter how old we are. Where is the justice in theis disease. We werent given a choice to haveD iabetes, so please give everyone the choice to receive a subsidy for a pump.
Wonderful news but it should be for everyone with Type 1. My 14 year old granddaughter has had the pump for a few months after being diagnosed 4 years ago. It's made a big difference to how she feels.
While my son has no interest in being on a pump I think that it's great that the government have increased the subsidy for pumps. I don't believe that it should be means tested – up to a point….and it shouldn't have an age limit. Type 1 is a life long illness and everyday is a battle, why should it matter if you are 6 or 60? While this is a step forward in the right direction the only real saviour will be a cure, we need the government to put more money into research into a cure for this chronic illness. While some people might see the numbers of Type 1 as not being "astronomical in comparison to other illnesses" – I think 140,000 diagnosed and growing at 3% every year is too many – especially when so many of those numbers are children.
Well there seems to be a lot of negative criticism being posted about this subject to do with being means tested and age limited and i think that is very unfortunate.Of all the hundreds of diseases out there, in an ideal world they would subsidise them all but lets face reality, thats impossible.we would end up paying more taxes or raising the g.s.t to fund the monies required.Giving the youth with type 1 diabetes a great chance to obtain a pump is surely a positive step for there futures in health and the grant has to start somewhere and the youth is the obvious start.its taken a long time for this to happen and im sure in time it will extend to a greater age group, but like everything it does take time.i have a 8yr old son with type 1 (no pump) and a 10yr old daughter with coeliacs disease of which we dont get a cracker for, and her diet is extremley expensive to maintain.so considering all the subsides for insulin/needles etc all age groups get , consider yourself fortunate to get that and stop being so negative about a good thing that has happened for our type 1 youth!
That is fantastic news but yes, what if you're over 18 years – my sister is now 19 years and it would be such a relief for her to have the pump but the cost is too prohibitive. Why the age limit? What does it say to all the kids that have muddled through thus far, they don't matter? Thankyou Nicola Roxon but please, please, please, don't age discriminate…
As grateful as I am for those who require an Insulin pump subsidy in Australia, there are absurd rules set by Aus Centrelink that my son after having Type I Diabetes since the age of 11 & after turning 16, every year he has to justify to having an incurable disease to maintain health care card not to pay full price for his 'LIFE DEPENDANT' Insulin & Needles. How can it be that from year to year his existing existance will not change over $$$. Ms Nixon get to it and change the Centrelink rules PLEASE.
I too have a son with diabetes type 1, he was diagnosed when he was 14, peer pressure and the want to be "normal" at that time in ones life is huge. He cried on many occasions and I had to be his strength, when deep down my heart was breaking! Now the subsidised insulin pump scheme will let him down once again as he turns 18 in June and is successfully completing a 4 year apprenticeship in ceiling fixing & will not be eligible because it is means tested. Just because you are working, 18, or have parents working, this should not discriminate an individual from a health aspect. I abhor people that bludge or rip of the system, but diabetes 1 is a genuine illness & all fellow Australians should be treated equally.
The susidy should be available to anyone with Type 1 diabetes or who requires insulin who can't afford pumps. I have been a type 1 diabetic for 30 years this year & if it weren't for the pump I would not have had my two little girls. I can not afford another pump when this one gives up – as they are programmed to do – & I am not employed & studying. I would love to be around for a lot longer to see my girls grow up & each day I am concerned about having to inject again & the instability this brings to my overall BSL's. Give everyone deserving a chance Minister Roxon!!!
Mmmm, I wonder if the pump companies will now increase the prices of the pumps.
What ever happened to equality ?
If the under 18yrs are now able, why not the other age groups ? Mr Rudd, I paid for my roof insulation when I built my house and no I am not eligible for solar subsidy as i have gas hot water. As I saved your government money so place my saving into a scheme for ALL diabetics who would benefit from a pump. Yes I am type 1 for 39yrs.
A fair go all of us !!!!
I know it's frustrating, but at least it is a first step closer towards subsidy for all Type 1's, these things can take time and hopefully with JDRF's help we may be able to increase to full subsidy for all Diabetics sometime soon. We should be grateful that at least the challenges of living with Type 1 is actually being recognised and getting some attention.
I, Like so many of you, will miss out due to my age. I would encourage you all to take your complaints to where they will be heard by the minister – i doubt she will read this list of comments without being guided to it. So either use the above emailing box, or just email Nicola Roxon – her department is obliged to reply to every letter and email, so get writing. She wont know that there is a problem with the scheme unless we let her know. A pump would change my life – its worth writing a few letter for.
Susi
[...] an article published in their regular newsletter, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation indicates that the “Minister for Health, Nicola [...]
Hi Sarah,
My thoughts are with you I hope you are now on the mend, I fully understand your situation and agree about anyone over 18 being totally left out of the picture where this funding is concerned. I too am a long standing Type 1 diabetic diagnosed back in 1973 – urine tests & stainless steel reusable needles untill they were so blunt they wouldn't even break the skin. Thank goodness for disposable needles and home blood testing equipment it made life so much easier. Like you I had a well controlled life as a diabetic with no complications untill 18 months ago when out of the blue I had a major heart attack, luckily I survived it but have had ongoing heart complications since then. (no sign of any heart trouble before the heart attack)
I am happy for all the young diabetics who will never have to endure what myself and many other longterm type 1's have experienced, thank you to our government for making this possible for them and reducing their risk of complications, I only hope they will grow up appreciating what has been given to them !!!
To Sarah, I wish you happiness and good health and maybe oneday we will get help with that pump we all need. Stay strong and keep looking after yourself my philosophy is that 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' and as I tell my friends and family I'm not dead yet.
If you would like any support with your recovery or just want to unload you can contact me by email hippylady@bigpond.com
We have paid approx $1050 for our son to have 12months private health insurance so that he can get a pump for no out of pocket expenses. The maximum someone on a low income can receive through subsidies will mean they still have to pay $1600 for a pump. The subsidies haven't really made the pumps more accessible – it is still cheaper to get private insurance for 12 months before you get the pump.
I have just had to take out Private Health Cover and pay premiums of $240 per month for a single for twelve months so I can get a pump. Why only under 18's?? I am a high school teacher and cannot afford to pay $8000. Don't the government want me to keep working so they can get my taxes?? Dont they then want me to work to at least 67 before I can retire. Thanks for half solving the problem!!!!
i totally agree..
yes pam centrelink have got a lot to answer for,my 12 year old son was diagnosed christmas 08 and is very lucky to be here,he was really sick..it took us 3 applications and appeals to finally get a health care card,because they said their wasn't enough proof that he was eligible for this!! our doctors and social worker at the diabetic clinic and the diabetic educators couldn't believe it,even with them intervening,our application was denied.but we eventually did get it..my next step would have been the media..it was a very stressfull time doing this..
Yes it's great news but, I also wish for this to available for over 18s'… I was diagnosed at 57 years with Type One.. a great shock … using pen injections but, have considered the pump but, not at this cost !…..Cheers
Hi, As a mum with a 3 year old with Type 1 and Coelics's disease it's nice to know that some of the $ is going to the type 1 Diabetic community. There is alot of Government $ allocated to the prevention and management of Type 2 – which in alot of cases – can be controlled with diet and exercise. Oh what we would give to be able to control our little girls disease with diet and exercise! So dear keepers of the purse, please open them up and let the $ flow towards funding for pumps and more research into developing the artifcial pancreas. We will be forever in your debt. Oh, and while you're feeling generous, it'd be great to get a small rebate for medically diagnosed Coeliacs, as Gluten Free food is about triple the price of regular food. The good thing though is that 90% is made and manufactured in Australia, so while we are paying much more at least we're helping to keep some Australian businesses alive and healthy. Thanking you in advance for anything else you can do.
It is great to see the under 18's getting the pump but unfair that it is means tested and age limited. I was diagnosed 28 years ago and I remember countless hospital stays, limited diet, and screaming and fighting my parents when I had to have my needles. My dad had to hold me down so my mum could inject me. I would love to have the insulin pump as I need 4-6 needles per day to keep my diabetes under control, but like many, my husband and I cannot afford it. Type 1 diabetes is an expensive illness both financially and mentally and any assistance is welcomed. Please take the age limit away and allow all Type 1's access to the subsidy.
Jambo – sorry to pick you up but pump consumables are already heavily subsidised through the NDSS – and not means tested! There are further concessions if you are entitled to a health concession (such as age or diasability pension).
However diabetes can be an expensive disease – and the drug and machine companies look to make substantial profits on their various competing products. We may all be better served if there was some co-ordination of our buying power – substance over consumer choice? This is one area JDRF could take the lead?
There was a comment that we should be pushing for "continuous glucose sensor" consumables – and I am sure that once the technology has been practically proven (and probably some standardisation occurs to reduce the range of equipment seeking support) that the Govt will bring these into the NDSS at a significantly reduced price.
Hi Jamie
I was struck by your children's health records. I have had Type 1 for 23 years and my younger sister developed crohn's disease about 6 years ago – both as adults. Both being auto-immune diseases, I wondered how common this pattern actually was.
I wish you luck with your children – as I know how expensive my sister's drugs are (and she also ends up in hospital far more than I do).
By the way I have been on a pump for 5 years now and have found it "liberating" and very flexible. I would encourage you to explore the pump option with your son – if this scheme helps. The Govt subsidises the (otherwise very expensive) pump consumables through the NDSS which makes it more affordable
Zoe
A tip – when/if your pump packs up – immediately contact the Service Dept of the pump manufacturer and ask them for a free replacement. They get most of their revenue from the pump consumables (which the Govt pays before passing them onto NDSS at highly subsidized prices) – so they have a powerful incentive to not "lose you" to a competing product.
If you think this is a long-shot, well in 5 years I have had two Medtronic MiniMed Paradigm replacement pumps free – once when my pump got submerged in water when I fell into a pool – and once when it just stopped working. On the first occasion I was in Thailand – and one phone call to the Australian service desk fixed it.
On both occasions they air-freighted an immediate replacement and requested that I send the faulty one back and on both occasionsthey eventually sent me a permanent replacement. Perhaps their service was exceptional? but most likely it's standard practice to retain a (potentially life-long) customer.
Yes, could not agree more
Oh My God ! if what Pam say is the case re: centerlink/ health care card what chance dose a special needs child/ diabete have if the rules are not changed ASAP. Thanks for the info as we are coming up behind and have no idea what other pitt falls lie ahead for our daughter & us.
This is great news, a big help to alot of families but I agree with so many other comments, type 1 does not go away when a person hits 18, my daughter is nearly 12 and I am already worrying about how she will cope financially when she reaches 18, I can see that my husband and I will be supporting her for a very long time into her adult life.
I think so much emphasis is spent on type 2 that the type 1's get forgotten – lets face it type 1's did NOT inflict this on them selves through lifestyle choice.
This is great news, a big help to alot of families but I agree with so many other comments, type 1 does not go away when a person hits 18, my daughter is nearly 12 and I am already worrying about how she will cope financially when she reaches 18, I can see that my husband and I will be supporting her for a very long time into her adult life.
I think so much emphasis is spent on type 2 that the type 1's get forgotten – lets face it type 1's did NOT inflict this on them selves through lifestyle choice.
good 2 hear they r finally doing something to help thouse people including myself with type 1 diabetes, but im 23, so i guess im forgotten about….i cant aford $8000….good 2 c the government cares more about money then the health of there people….
save all these arguments and give up on the insulin pump…… an accelerated pathwayway toward a CURE….. that will save $$$$$$… give up on the pharmaceutical predators
all us oldies can just die,