Update on the proposal to fund continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and insulin pump consumables
We received a significant amount of feedback on our proposal. We have identified aspects that we need to further consider. This means that the timeframe for making CGMs available, if approved by the Pharmac Board, will be pushed back.
We need more time to consider your feedback
On 28 March 2024, we asked for public feedback on our proposal to fund CGMs, insulin pumps, and insulin pump consumables. The consultation closed 26 April 2024. Thank you for sharing your views and experiences with us.
Most of the feedback received was supportive. However, Pharmac has identified some aspects of the funding proposal we need to consider further:
- product usability, which means the function of the devices and how people use them
- the health impacts of changing brands of insulin pumps
- support needed to help people with a change of insulin pump
Proposal to fund continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps and insulin pump consumables
Next steps
Over the coming weeks we will seek more advice and information from a number of groups before we present a funding proposal to Pharmac’s board. Some of these groups include:
- Pharmac’s Diabetes Advisory Committee
- Representative clinician and consumer groups
- Suppliers
- Other sector and government stakeholders
Timeframes for the proposal
At this point we can’t provide a definitive timeframe for when a decision will be made. We are working on this as a priority to enable a decision to be made as soon as possible.
Keep updated
We are holding an online information session on Thursday 6 June at 12 noon for 45 minutes which will be open for anyone to attend. We will talk through the process so far and provide an update on Pharmac’s next steps.
Thank you for your feedback
We are grateful to everyone who provided feedback on the proposal. We would like to acknowledge the personal experiences people have shared with us about the challenges of type 1 diabetes and the difference that having access to funded CGMs would make.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this process, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz