The Federal Budget has recognised a sustained appeal from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Diabetes Australia (DA) and over 140 campaigners, with a funding commitment that will help make insulin pumps more affordable for Australian families.

The latest Budget allocated $5.5million over four years to make insulin pump technology more affordable for families who have a child under 18 with type 1 diabetes.

From 1 November 2008, a new means-tested subsidy of up to $2,500 will be available for people under 18, towards the cost of an insulin pump. This announcement will potentially benefit around 700 families who have a child living with type 1 diabetes.

Families with incomes of less than $59,842 will be eligible for the maximum subsidy of $2,500. Families with incomes of between $59,842 and $98,386 will be eligible for a sliding scale of subsidy ranging from $500 to $2,500. Families with incomes above $98,386 will be eligible for a subsidy of $500. The income thresholds will be indexed on 1 July each year, starting 2008. For more information see http://www.health.gov.au/internet/budget/publishing.nsf/Content/budget2008-hmedia013.htm

Working in partnership, JDRF and DA spent 9 months generating support for this initiative, and are looking forward to collaborating with Government to implement this ground-breaking scheme.

Over 140 JDRF Advocates from around the country enthusiastically participated in this action, contacting their local political representatives to voice their support and raise awareness of the benefits that insulin pump therapy can bring to individuals and families. Their hard work and dedication has generated an incredible response, with numerous letters of support received from politicians from both sides of Government.

JDRF will continue to work with the Government to ensure that the needs of the type 1 diabetes community stay firmly on the national agenda.

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