Insulin pump costs
How much does an insulin pump cost?
Prostheses List legislation provides for increased pump accessibility through private health insurance. This means that, should patients have eligible hospital cover, they can access an insulin pump which is fully covered by their health insurer. A waiting period may apply before private health insurance benefits are payable. It is also important the patient confirms that their health insurance policy covers insulin pump therapy.
A Medtronic insulin pump currently costs $8,574.First things first – registering with the NDSS
When a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, they should register with the Australian Government’s National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), which is administered by Diabetes Australia. The NDSS provides subsidised insulin pump consumables, including reservoirs and infusion sets.
Who is eligible for NDSS subsidies?
To be eligible, the patient must be an Australian resident, hold a current Australian Medicare card or a Department of Veteran Affairs file number and should have been diagnosed by a medical practitioner.
Several countries also have a reciprocal agreement with Australia. If the patient is visiting Australia, and comes from a country with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement, they may be entitled to temporary NDSS registration.
Please note, different rules apply for patients with Type 2 diabetes, and in most instances, these patients may not be able to access these subsidy programs. However, Medtronic is currently offering a grant on insulin pump consumables for patients with Type 2 insulin dependent diabetes, with the opportunity to save up to 90% on RRP30.This means that pump consumables will cost roughly the same as they do for people with Type 1 Diabetes who can access the NDSS consumable prices.
Getting access to insulin
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) covers a considerable proportion of drug and medication costs through Medicare. Patients can get insulin from pharmacies with a prescription (from a GP or Endocrinologist) using the PBS; one prescription is generally 3-6 months’ supply, depending on the patient’s insulin needs.
Medtronic’s AccessPlus+ loan program
As part of our on-going support of diabetes management, we are able to offer our AccessPlus loan program*. Through this program, allowing more people to access a Medtronic insulin pump for up to a maximum of 12 months.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
What are the ongoing costs?
Medtronic infusion sets and reservoirs are available from the NDSS through Diabetes Australia for $25-$30 per month, for patients who meet the criteria. Applications must also be signed and completed by you before being sent to Diabetes Australia. You should also advise patients of the appropriate infusion set and reservoir for the pump, so that they can order consumables through your state Diabetes Australia office.
Allowances for carers
The Australian Government, Department of Human Services, also provides a carer allowance for those who take up the carer’s responsibility for Type 1 diabetes patients. This provides support for childcare payments for parents with children under 16. A fortnightly payment of $121.70 and a Health Care Card for the child can make it possible for parents to afford PHI, consumables and insulin. The application form can be found here:
31. Successful applicants will receive a Medtronic insulin pump. Pump model and colour are subject to availability.
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