MORE than 600,000 Australians with diabetes will soon pay less for products that help them manage their condition.
From December 1 improvements to the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) mean patients will save up to $126 per year on the cost of items such as blood glucose test strips, urine test strips and insulin delivery devices.
The products are used by people with diabetes to self-manage their condition.
Blood glucose test strips are used with a blood glucose meter to test glucose levels throughout the day. Insulin devices such as syringes and infusion sets are then used to support the delivery of insulin when needed.
The cost of 100 blood glucose test strips will reduce by $2 for general patients, and the cost of 10 Insulin Pump Infusion Sets will reduce by $4.70.
A patient with type 1 diabetes who uses an insulin pump and is a moderate to high user of blood glucose test strips per day will save $10.50 per month or $126.50 per year under the changes to concessional payments.
A person with type 1 diabetes who uses 10 blood glucose test strips per day will save up to $73 per year under the changes.
For more information visit the NDSS website, the the Department of Health website or contact the NDSS Helpline on 1300-136-588.