Just had a email from the NDSS regarding some changes to the availabity of certain testing strips, and needles as follows, this applies to both T1 and T2 diabetics.
My Accu-Chek Performa and Abbot Freestyle Lite strips are unaffected.
Changes to some NDSS products from 1 December 2018
From 1 December 2018 there will be some changes to products available through the NDSS for certain insulin syringes and select blood glucose test strips.
Most people registered with the NDSS will not be affected by these changes.
If you are affected by these changes you will be able to access the same types of subsidised products that you need through the NDSS, however, the brands of some products will change. If your usual brand of product is no longer subsidised through the NDSS, you will be able to select an alternative brand.
If you need to change your brand of blood glucose test strips you are eligible to receive a free blood glucose meter with your preferred new brand.
Reduced NDSS Co-payments
Importantly, the cost of blood glucose test strips will either remain the same or decrease, and the cost for insulin syringes will remain the same as outlined below.
Blood glucose test strips and urine test strips:
cost to the NDSS registrant will be reduced for all people without a concession card
cost to the NDSS registrant will be reduced for most people with a concession card
Insulin pump infusion sets and reservoirs:
no cost change to the NDSS registrant for people without a concession card
cost to the NDSS registrant will be reduced for all people with a concession card
Insulin syringes and pen needles:
no change
co-payments for insulin syringes will continue to be subsidised by State or Territory Governments.
Why these changes have been made
These changes have been made as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to support people with diabetes to self-manage their condition, and to ensure that the NDSS can meet the needs of all people registered with the Scheme in the long term.
These changes will begin from 1 December 2018. There will be a three month transition period to assist people who are changing brands.
Where can I find out more?
We understand that change can be challenging, and support is available to you while you are transitioning to a new product. Further information about changes to NDSS products can be found at ndss.com.au.
You can also call the NDSS Helpline on 1300 136 588.
Yours sincerely,
Katy Balmaks
General Manager, NDSS
Here are the links to the main NDSS site:
https://www.ndss.com.au/important-changes-to-the-ndss?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NDSS product changes 3&utm_content=NDSS product changes 3+CID_5e9a2f43690df70b53cc4f49469d2581&utm_source=Email marketing software&utm_term=ndsscomau
Here's the link to what is being taken away, and what will be included in the subsidised list:
https://static.diabetesaustralia.co...alia/ccea7e3f-a305-43ca-87fd-4feabf497c40.pdf
My Accu-Chek Performa and Abbot Freestyle Lite strips are unaffected.
Changes to some NDSS products from 1 December 2018
From 1 December 2018 there will be some changes to products available through the NDSS for certain insulin syringes and select blood glucose test strips.
Most people registered with the NDSS will not be affected by these changes.
If you are affected by these changes you will be able to access the same types of subsidised products that you need through the NDSS, however, the brands of some products will change. If your usual brand of product is no longer subsidised through the NDSS, you will be able to select an alternative brand.
If you need to change your brand of blood glucose test strips you are eligible to receive a free blood glucose meter with your preferred new brand.
Reduced NDSS Co-payments
Importantly, the cost of blood glucose test strips will either remain the same or decrease, and the cost for insulin syringes will remain the same as outlined below.
Blood glucose test strips and urine test strips:
cost to the NDSS registrant will be reduced for all people without a concession card
cost to the NDSS registrant will be reduced for most people with a concession card
Insulin pump infusion sets and reservoirs:
no cost change to the NDSS registrant for people without a concession card
cost to the NDSS registrant will be reduced for all people with a concession card
Insulin syringes and pen needles:
no change
co-payments for insulin syringes will continue to be subsidised by State or Territory Governments.
Why these changes have been made
These changes have been made as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to support people with diabetes to self-manage their condition, and to ensure that the NDSS can meet the needs of all people registered with the Scheme in the long term.
These changes will begin from 1 December 2018. There will be a three month transition period to assist people who are changing brands.
Where can I find out more?
We understand that change can be challenging, and support is available to you while you are transitioning to a new product. Further information about changes to NDSS products can be found at ndss.com.au.
You can also call the NDSS Helpline on 1300 136 588.
Yours sincerely,
Katy Balmaks
General Manager, NDSS
Here are the links to the main NDSS site:
https://www.ndss.com.au/important-changes-to-the-ndss?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NDSS product changes 3&utm_content=NDSS product changes 3+CID_5e9a2f43690df70b53cc4f49469d2581&utm_source=Email marketing software&utm_term=ndsscomau
Here's the link to what is being taken away, and what will be included in the subsidised list:
https://static.diabetesaustralia.co...alia/ccea7e3f-a305-43ca-87fd-4feabf497c40.pdf
