Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2024
668. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will ringfence dedicated funding to widen access to continuous glucose monitoring for people with Type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3041/24]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including clinical efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published a Health Technology Assessment of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on 29th September 2023. In line with the advice from HIQA and due to the budget impact associated with these products, the HSE has established a single reimbursement application system for all CGM sensors on the Reimbursement List. This reimbursement application system will apply to all current and any future CGM sensors reimbursed under the community drug schemes. This single reimbursement application can be used by any person with type 1 diabetes, regardless of age.
Patients treated with insulin who have recently accessed a CGM sensor under community drug schemes will continue to have reimbursement support; a new application will not be required where approval is in place.
As of 1st December 2023, all patients initiating on CGM sensors must receive prior approval for reimbursement support. Hospital clinicians responsible for the initiation of CGM systems (i.e., clinicians in diabetes clinics) can apply for reimbursement approval for suitable patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. All applications will be reviewed by the HSE Medicines Management Programme.
