Federal Budget Submission - Continuous Glucose Monitors and Automated Insulin Delivery

South Australians priced out of life-changing diabetes technology as advocacy intensifies to reduce impacts on the acute health system by supporting self-management. 

Federal Budget submission to expand the eligibility of subsidy for Continuous Glucose Monitors for Type 2 and ‘other types’ of diabetes as well as a submission to subsidise Automated Insulin Delivery systems for those living with Type 1 Diabetes.  

Diabetes SA, a proudly South Australian not-for-profit, provides services, education, advocacy and health product supply to support the nearly 130,000 South Australians living with Diabetes, those at risk and their supporting communities.   

Collaborating with ten Diabetes organisations from across Australia, Diabetes SA partnered to develop a Federal Budget submission to expand the eligibility of subsidies for Continuous Glucose Monitors for Type 2 and ‘other types’ of diabetes; as well as a submission to subsidise Automated Insulin Delivery systems for those living with Type 1 Diabetes.  

Diabetes SA and the wider Diabetes community is calling on the Federal Government to urgently expand access to life-changing diabetes technologies, as new national proposals highlight both the clinical benefits and long-term economic value of improved access. 

Two key proposals, focused on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems, demonstrate that targeted investment in diabetes technology would significantly improve health outcomes while reducing long-term health system costs. 

The proposals show: 

• Expanding CGM access to 16,000 Australians with type 2 and other forms of diabetes would cost $106.48 million over four years and deliver an estimated $1.13 billion in long-term societal benefit.  

• Improving access to AID systems for 38,000 Australians with type 1 diabetes would cost $298.95 million, with projected net benefits of $4.28 billion over time.  

Despite this clear return on investment for the health system, many Australians to date, remain locked out of subsidised access to these two key solutions, and are forced to pay out-of-pocket. 

Mr John Seal, from Balaklava, has experienced this firsthand. 

John and his wife, both living with type 2 diabetes, had previously accessed CGM sensors through a government-supported aged care package. That support has now been withdrawn. 

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“We rely on these sensors every day to manage our diabetes safely. Now we’re facing more than $400 a month just to maintain what was working. As pensioners, that’s simply not sustainable.” Mr Seal said.  

Mr Seal continued; “Only the other night my sensor went off whilst I was asleep telling me my sugar levels were low. Had I not been woken by the sensor, I would have likely needed to call an ambulance by morning, it’s that serious. I’m trying to look after what I eat and drink, but I need help, so many older South Australians like me rely on the sensors.” 

Catherine Hughes, CEO of Diabetes SA, said the current system is failing those who need support most. 

“What we are seeing is a widening gap between what we know works and what people can access. 

CGM devices can cost individuals between $2,000 and $4,000 per year, placing them out of reach for many Australians who would benefit most. 

“These technologies are not a luxury, they are essential. When people are priced out of care that we know prevents complications and hospital admissions, the system is failing.” 

“When people like John are forced to choose between financial security and their health, it highlights a system that is not aligned to modern care or equity. 

Not to mention the release of burden of mums and dads supporting children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes knowing they will receive the insulin when they need it any time of the day or night. 

This represents a tangible opportunity to shift investment upstream, strengthening self-management and delivering measurable reductions in diabetes-related system demand in our hospitals. 1 in every 6 admissions to South Australian hospitals are diabetes related.  

Strategic investment in these technologies is not only the right thing to do it is a fiscally responsible decision that will reduce hospital admissions, complications and long-term costs.” 

Read the complete submissions here:
Budget Submission AID
Budget Submission CGM
Budget Submission AID (short)
Budget Submission CGM (short