Budget disappointment for stakeholders wanting more government support for insulin delivery technologies.
Insulet, which had been anticipating a funding commitment for its Omnipod DASH System, said it will continue to work with the federal government to secure its addition to the National Disabilities Services Scheme (NDSS).
The Ominpod DASH System is a tubeless, wearable and waterproof insulin management system. It does not have any up-front acquisition costs and can carry up to three days of insulin delivery. It works in conjunction with the Bluetooth enabled Omnipod DASH controller that allows users to manage their insulin levels in a discreet and simple manner.
It has been recommended for inclusion on the NDSS with patients advocating for action from the government.
Melbourne resident Stacey Moragiannis expressed disappointment at the government's failure to include funding for the system in the 2022-23 Budget.
Ms Moragiannis has lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 43 years and has been publicly advocating for better access to diabetes management technologies.
Ms Moragiannis has been using Omnipod DASH System since November 2021 and says she no longer feels like a ‘diabetic’.
“I had a complete change of my lifestyle and now can do anything without being stressed about the amounts of insulin I need. I no longer feel like a Type 1 Diabetic. I am currently self-funding Omnipod by drawing down on my mortgage. I am fearful that without public subsidy, I will not be able to self-fund for much longer and I will have to come off Omnipod therapy,” she said.
“Type 1 Diabetes is a very challenging lifelong chronic disease for which there is no cure and no way to prevent it,” said Joanna Sader, the country manager of Insulet Australia.
“The anxiety caused by living with T1D can be grave, with one in five experiencing depression and are concerningly at increased risk of neglecting the daily management of their diabetes.”
Ms Sader said the company has been working productively with the Department of Health for two years and Insulet is doing everything it can to find a pathway to reimbursement.
“We were hoping for an announcement tonight, as the Minister for Health is aware of the strong demand by the Australian Type 1 Diabetes community to have affordable and equitable access to Omnipod DASH System,” she said.
“We know that this community highly anticipates a positive development and we are confident the right decision will be made very soon.”