More than 130,000 Australians living with type 1 diabetes are set to receive subsidised access to the next generation of Omnipod insulin pumps from December 1.
The Omnipod DASH Insulin Management system includes a waterproof adhesive pod which delivers insulin to the patient, alongside a touchscreen device to program and control the pod.
The pods are disposable and replaced every three days.
“Subsidising this next generation technology means freedom of choice for Australians with type 1 diabetes, as well as the freedom from wires and tubes,” said Health and Aged Care Minister, Mark Butler.
The Government is subsidising the disposable pods through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) at community pharmacies.
General patients will pay a maximum co-pay of just $29.30 per month, with concession card holders paying $22.20 per month.
The Government is adding the touchscreen device to the Prostheses List, making it available to patients for free through their private health insurance.
Australians without private health insurance will be able to access the touchscreen device through a subscription fee to the device maker Insulet.
Previously patients were paying over $400 per month for the pod and touchscreen device.
