The Australian government announced yesterday an enhancement to the pumps subsidy program for children which could help in the path towards universal insulin pump adoption for people with Type 1 Diabetes.
In an article published in their regular newsletter, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation indicates that the “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.”
Interestingly, the JDRF has also created a form in the website so members from the public can send thank you notes to the Minister.
