NDSS is  aware of some incorrect information circulating on Facebook regarding the Federal Government’s changes to subsidised access to blood glucose testing strips.

These changes do not remove the subsidy for blood glucose test strips through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

The changes also do not affect people with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes using insulin, people with gestational diabetes, or people with other, rarer forms of diabetes.

The changes only apply to people with type 2 diabetes who are not using insulin.

Under these changes, people with type 2 diabetes not using insulin can access blood glucose test strips for an initial period of six months, starting from the date they first make a purchase through the NDSS after 1 July 2016.

At the end of this six month period, they can get continuing access through the NDSS if their health professional (doctor, credentialled diabetes educator or nurse practitioner) decides it is necessary for the person to continue to monitor their blood glucose levels. If this is the case their health professional will sign an NDSS Blood Glucose Test Strip Six Month Approval form, which will allow them to access test strips for a further six months. The person can take this form to their NDSS pharmacy to get their test strips.

There are no limits to the number of blood glucose test strip approvals as long as there is a need for the person to continue to monitor their blood glucose levels.

More detailed information can be found on the NDSS website here: https://www.ndss.com.au/important-changes-to-the-ndss
You can also find information from the Department of Health here: https://www.health.gov.au/ndss-bgts
Please call our Helpline on 1300 136 588 if you have any further questions.