The Federal government says it remains committed to delivering its pledge of $54 million over four years to subsidise continuous glucose monitoring technology to assist children and young adults under 21 years.
The funding package, developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders, including Diabetes Australia, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, was due to kick in on the 1st January this year according to election policy documents.
However, the Department of Health says the program has been delayed because it is working to finalise changes to IT systems to: “ensure supply arrangements to provide subsidised access to CGM products through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).”
Diabetes Australia said it fully supports the current timing and approach being taken by the government.
CEO Greg Johnson said it was important that good, reliable information and systems are in place so that children and young people with type 1 diabetes and their families can safely and reliably access CGM.
“This includes developing the clinical eligibility criteria to ensure that the program targets children and young people who are at the highest risk and will benefit most from this technology.
“Importantly, education and support programs are being developed to ensure families and their diabetes healthcare teams understand how to access CGM and use the technology safely.
“All of this is important so that families can be confident that they can rely on the program, understand how to access CGM products and be assured that those children and young people at highest risk gain access.
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