Diabetes Australia has welcomed health measures providing cost of living relief in this year’s Federal Budget.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said investments in cheaper, more available medicines, would have a positive impact on people living with diabetes.

“The budget includes good news for people who rely on medicines, with the announcement of a one-year freeze on the maximum co-payment for a PBS prescription for Medicare cardholders, as well as a freeze for up to five years for pensioners and concession cardholders.

“Australians are experiencing an ever-growing need for better access to diabetes medicines, so this freeze, as well as $3.4 billion for new and amended listings to the PBS, is encouraging news,” Ms Cain said.

An additional $3.7 million is being invested to subsidise more devices under the Insulin Pump Program for financially disadvantaged Australians aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes.

The Budget also included $6.5 million for JDRF’s Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Research Network for research projects that are already underway.

“Every person living with diabetes should be able to afford, and have access to, the medicines and technologies they need to live well,” Ms Cain said.

“This funding for some insulin pumps is important, and we are pleased the government has recognised this need. We will also continue to highlight that there is an equally urgent need to expand access to more technologies for people living with all types of diabetes.”

Ms Cain said Diabetes Australia continues to call on the Federal Government to increase funding for diabetes prevention and screening, research, and access to technologies such as Automated Insulin Delivery and Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices.

“We eagerly await the outcomes and recommendations of the current Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes. We have given evidence to the Committee that demonstrates the impact of the diabetes epidemic and the need for new initiatives that will change lives.

“These include equitable access to diabetes technologies, greater investment in diabetes research, a funded implementation plan for the National Diabetes Strategy, a national diabetes prevention program and more support for the diabetes workforce.

“The eyes of the diabetes community are now turned to the Committee, and the government, to see how it will respond to those calls,” Ms Cain said.

About Diabetes Australia

Diabetes Australia is the national organisation supporting all people living with or at risk of diabetes. We put people first. We work in collaboration with member organisations, consumers, health professionals, researchers and the community.

For more information visit: www.diabetesaustralia.com.au