09 February 2010
Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, 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 Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program was launched in November 2008 and provided a means-tested subsidy of up to $2,500 towards the purchase of an insulin pump for children under 18. It was the first time that the Australian government had provided subsidies for this important technology. The new subsidy levels will provide a potential maximum of $6,400 and a minimum of $500 depending on the cost price of the insulin pump.
Carers of children under 18 with type 1 diabetes will be able to apply for a significantly increased, means-tested subsidy of up to 80% of the cost of an insulin pump.
JDRF expects that this increased subsidy will significantly impact on up-take of the subsidy program for insulin pumps. This program will potentially impact more than 500 Australian children with type 1 diabetes who could benefit from moving from multiple daily insulin injection to insulin pump therapy.
The new subsidy will continue to be based on gross family income, but will have a sliding scale of between 80% and 10% of total pump price.
Carers of children under 18 with type 1 diabetes who are Medicare eligible and do not have private health insurance can apply through the online process at www.jdrf.org.au/s/our-community/insulin-pump-grants/pumps-information or contact JDRF Head office on 02 9966 0400.
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