Families with children with type 1 diabetes will benefit from the Rudd Government’s announcement that it is increasing the maximum subsidy for the purchase of an insulin pump for children under 18. 

Arch Bevis, Federal Member for Brisbane, has long campaigned on behalf of those with type 1 diabetes and wholeheartedly welcomes this announcement.

The Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program is an innovative initiative - started under the Rudd Government - which delivers relief for families managing juvenile type 1 diabetes.

After consultation with stakeholders,  these changes increase the subsidy for those most in need and target it at those requiring the greatest assistance.

The maximum subsidy, under the Type 1 Diabetes Insulin Pump Program, has been raised from $2,500 to $6,400 (or 80 per cent of the pump price) and is available to successful applicants who have an annual family income of up to $64,240.

The level of the subsidy operates on a sliding scale, gradually reducing to $500, or 10 per cent of the pump cost (whichever is greater), for families with an income of $101,045.

Insulin pumps are expensive - ranging in cost between $4000 and $8000.  

This boost to the program will ease the financial pressure on families when purchasing a pump for their child.  

The number of Australian children being diagnosed with this disease is increasing by 3% every year. There is no cure and unlike many cases of type 2 diabetes, it is not caused by diet or lifestyle.

Managing type 1 diabetes can be incredibly challenging for children and parents alike and I am pleased that we can make this funding available to relieve some of the pressure on these families.

In addition to the subsidy boost, eligible families with two or more children with type 1diabetes will now be entitled to the calculated subsidy for the first child and the maximum subsidy for subsequent children irrespective of the family’s income.