A A A

Home » Our Community » Insulin Pump Grants » Application Information

Important Update Following an announcement by the Federal Government on Feb 7, 2010, means tested insulin pump subsidies now range from 10% of the cost of the insulin pump (or $500, whichever is greater) to 80% of the cost of the Insulin Pump. As the dollar amount of subsidy will vary depending on the cost of the insulin pump recommended by your health care team, subsidy estimate requests will now provide you with a % subsidy.

 

Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program

The Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program was announced by the Federal Government in the May 2008 Budget when $5.5 million was allocated over four years to help make insulin pumps more affordable and accessible for Australian families.

 

 

What subsidy would I be eligible for?

The subsidy you are eligible for will vary depending on your circumstances. JDRF can email you an estimate of the subsidy you would receive if you complete the form below and click ’Request Estimate’.

 

What is an insulin pump?

An insulin pump is a small computerised device that delivers a slow continuous level of rapid acting insulin throughout the day. It can be programmed to give more or less insulin when and if required. The insulin is delivered through a tiny tube (cannula) under the skin that is changed every three days.

Which insulin pumps are available in Australia? What do they cost?

There are many different insulin pumps available in Australia. Insulin pumps vary in price from $4000 to $9000, and come with a wide range of features. Your health care team will be able to help you decide which is most appropriate. Below are some links to information provided by Australian insulin pump suppliers.

Who is eligible for a subsidy?

The program is available to anyone who is Medicare eligible, cares for a child who has type 1 diabetes, does not have access to Private Health Insurance and is under 18 at the time of application.

As part of the application process your health care team will be required to confirm that you meet the following clinical eligibility criteria: 

• The child has type 1 diabetes
• The child will benefit from a transition to insulin pump therapy
• The child/carer has demonstrated willingness to check blood glucose levels four or more times per day
• The child/carer has demonstrated competence at injecting insulin using pens/syringes
• The insulin pump initiation will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team
• The initiating team makes a commitment to the transition and a system to ensure follow-up and ongoing support

 

Which subsidy should I apply for?

There are two levels of subsidy's available through the program:  

       1.  Full subsidy of 80% of pump price

       2.  Sliding scale subsidy of between 10% - 80% of pump price

1.  To qualify for a full subsidy you will need an income of $65,609 (indexed) or less, or are in receipt of one or more of the following income support  payments from Centrelink: 

• Disability Support Pension
• Youth Allowance
• ABSTUDY
• Carer Payment (not carer allowance)
• Special Benefit
• Parenting Payment
• Double Orphan Pension
• Community Education Development Program
• Maximum rate Family Tax Benefit A (ie not partial payment)

2.  To qualify for a sliding scale subsidy you will need an income of between $65,609 and $101,191 (indexed annually)

 NB: Families with a gross familiy income of more than $101,191 will not qualify for a subsidy.

 

Will I receive the subsidy payment?

JDRF will only pay the subsidy directly to the insulin pump company. No retrospective payments will avilable to patients that have already received a pump.

 

Do I need to do anything extra to access the consumables (tubing, infusion sets, reservoirs, etc)?

During the application process your health care team will complete the NDSS application form for insulin pump consumables. You will be able to use your current NDSS card to access the subsidised consumables once your NDSS pump consumables form is processed.

 

How will I know if an insulin pump is right for my child?

Your health care team will be able to provide you with advice and information about insulin pump therapy.

 

I have private health insurance. Am I able to get an insulin pump subsidy?

Insulin pumps are covered by all private health insurance policies, although a waiting period of twelve months applies. Speak with your insurer and diabetes team for more information about how to receive funding through private health insurance.

 

Can I ’opt out’ of the process once I start?

You can opt out of the process at any time. You will be given an opportunity at each stage to change your mind.

 

I have more than one child with type 1 diabetes, how will this effect me?

If you have more than one child with type 1 diabetes your first application will be means tested but all subsequent aproved applications will automatically receive a full subsidy.