For new pumps to be available in Australia, the first hurdle they need to clear is registration with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), after which doctors and suppliers are legally allowed to talk about them. The next hurdle is getting the pumps on the government’s Prostheses List, so they’re eligible for supply by health insurance.
Most people don’t want to pay outright for their pump and rely on health insurance. The insurers don’t care which pump it is, as long as it’s on the list. The Prostheses List is updated several times a year on a regular cycle. There are changes to this list every year, but at the time of writing, there are six pumps that can be purchased new through private health insurance:
-
Accu-Chek Combo
-
Accu-Chek Solo
-
Tandem t: slim X2 (although sales are currently on hold)
-
Mylife YpsoPump
-
Medtronic MiniMed 670G and MiniMed 770G
Once you have a pump, you will need to pay for the consumables. NDSS subsidizes the reservoirs and infusion sets for all the above pumps (as long as you’re registered as a pump user), which is a huge cost saving.
We see people talking about pumps available in other markets (such as the US), but we do have a reasonable selection here. Note that some pumps used overseas do not fit this model. For example, in the case of the OmniPod, there’s essentially no ‘pump’ for the insurer to buy for you; all the cost is in the consumables – a new pump every three days. This may be the main reason that the OmniPod is not available in Australia.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A whole new world
Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult can be a challenging and confusing time. In this extract from the JDRF's new book, Straight to the Point, they explain what's going on and what to say to people who make uninformed comments about your condition
5 Days 5 Dinners
Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!
Fantastic Feta
This soft, white cheese with Greek origins is versatile and packs a flavour punch, with only a small amount needed to jazz up a dish
My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"
When Natalie Rixon, now 33, discovered she had prediabetes soon after she'd turned 20, it was a shock and a relief all rolled into one. What she did next changed her future.
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?
7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease
Diabetes is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Learn more about this condition and how to protect yourself from developing it.
GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER
Dietitian Lyndi Cohen wants you to take a deep breath and think about your weight, and health, in a whole new way.
WHAT IS Wegovy?
Meet Wegovy, the new once-weekly weightloss injection that research shows helps people lose significantly more body weight than those using diet and exercise alone.
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
DOLLARS AND DIABETES
When you have type 1 diabetes, it's important to see a variety of health professionals regularly to keep your health on track.