Australia’s diabetes patients are struggling with the skyrocketing cost of necessary diabetes management tools, highlighting the importance of government action. We know the cost of living is rising—and that’s being felt everywhere. Like many people with long-term conditions, Sammy Haigh, a 26-year-old from Newcastle, can’t afford essentials like diabetes supplies. With nearly two million Australians living with diabetes, experts warn that the country is lagging behind others in subsidizing innovative technologies that could alleviate both personal and systemic healthcare costs.
Haigh is currently spending about $5,000 a year on diabetes supplies, with monthly costs of $400-$500. With diabetes-related costs averaging $103 per week, she points out that’s over half her rent. Managing this chronic condition is emotionally draining and it is financially burdensome. People are left with no option but to prioritize their health over other important financial obligations.
“It totals, at the moment, between $400 to $500 a month,” – Sammy Haigh
The Impact of Rising Costs on Daily Life
The cost burden is felt deeply by many Australians living with diabetes. Haigh’s situation sheds light on the more systemic problem that so many in her community are dealing with. “These expenses are not just one-offs, but for critical equipment necessary to stay alive,” she explained. All of these expenses related to diabetes management cause a pervasive financial insecurity and anxiety.
Fellow diabetes patient Pete Holland, who’s spent the past ten years as a type 2 diabetes patient. After a few months, he went off his continuous glucose monitor because it was $200+ dollars a month and insurance wouldn’t cover it. He seconded Haigh’s comments about the impact of these costs.
“They’re a massive expense, they’re over $200 a month to be able to use these things,” – Pete Holland
The financial realities encountered by people such as Haigh and Holland are exacerbated by increased costs for essential living needs. Haigh lamented the need to put her health above all other issues in an ever-worsening budgetary situation.
“It can be really hard, having to choose between my health and putting money aside for saving for my long-term financial security or doing something fun with my friends,” – Sammy Haigh
Government Action and Recommendations
Experts strongly recommend more government funding to fix these problems. David Simmons, an endocrinologist and Australia’s chief medical officer of diabetes, says this is a big hole in Australia’s subsidy model. Compared to countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada, Australia offers very little subsidised access to insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). At present, insulin pumps are subsidised for type 1 patients aged under 21 years.
A parliamentary inquiry into diabetes has recommended that the federal government provide insulin pumps at low costs for all individuals with type 1 diabetes. It further calls for realigning coverage with clinical evidence, including expanding CGM access to type 2 diabetes patients. These three steps will reduce the financial burden on people. Most importantly, they can reduce overall costs for the healthcare system.
“This is now seen as normal care, but sadly in Australia it’s not being provided in the way that is happening in other countries,” – Professor David Simmons
Simmons believes that improving access to these technologies will help lower healthcare expenditures in a big way. By mitigating the most serious complications, we can keep people out of costly care such as intensive care or dialysis.
“It does reduce the cost [for the health system] by reducing people who end up in intensive care units or on dialysis, for example,” – Professor David Simmons
A Call for Change
Diabetes Australia estimates that treating diabetes costs the diabetes health system at least $9.1 billion per year in Australian dollars. And with such dire financial implications, experts continue to call for policy changes that would benefit all of those who live with this chronic disease.
Holland said it’s crucial that we make diabetes management more accessible and affordable for all Australians.
“It’s a no-brainer for me to take a load off the health system and help anybody with diabetes at the same time,” – Pete Holland
As the conversation about healthcare reform moves forward, advocates are calling on lawmakers to keep in mind what it’s really like for people living with diabetes. This need for full support is evident. No Australians should have to access life-saving technology while being subjected to exorbitant financial pressure.
