While attending the APEG (Australian Paediatric Endocrine Group) meeting in Australia, CHI board member, Margaret Maher, learned that some HI patients in Australia were being refused a standard subsidy for diabetics for the purchase of blood sugar level (BSL) testing supplies. On behalf of the denied patients, Margaret entered into discussions with governmental agencies responsible for the program and has now been assured that HI patients will once again be eligible for discounted BSL supplies.
For years people with diabetes have been able to purchase BSL supplies at subsidized prices in Australia. This type of support from the Australian government has been wonderful. Standard pricing for BSL supplies is very expensive. In some cases people go without testing because the cost of supplies is so high. Lack of testing can lead to poor control of blood sugar levels, which in turn, can cause serious medical complications.
In the past, children with HI were able to receive the subsidy due to their need to monitor BSL’s as frequently as people with diabetes. However, recently, applications from HI patients were rejected causing patients to be ineligible for the subsidy.
Thanks to Margaret’s excellent advocacy work, the policy has been clarified. All Australian children diagnosed with congenital hyperinsulinism (and other conditions which have hypoglycemia as part of the condition such as Kabuki syndrome and cystic fibrosis) by their endocrinologist are eligible for the subsidy. This includes children with HI using insulin pumps to deliver octreotide. All families who have been denied are encouraged to apply again.
This initiative is made possible through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) administered by Diabetes Australia (DA). The NDSS, in addition to providing support and information to people with diabetes, delivers diabetes-related products at subsidized prices.
For further information about this contact CHI.
