PHARMAC have announced CGM funding for people with Type 1 diabetes from 1 October 2024.
Learn more - Pharmac announcement
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To receive funded access to FreeStyle Libre CGM sensors,
follow these simple steps
You may be eligible for funded FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors if you meet the following criteria:
Prescriptions for FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors can be provided by most prescribing healthcare practitioners, including General Practitioners
You may be eligible for funded FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors if you meet the following criteria:
AND:
In the opinion of the treating relevant practitioner the patient would benefit from an Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system.
Prescriptions and Special Authority Numbers can be obtained from all relevant prescribers who care for people with type 1 and other specific forms of diabetes.
The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor
With FreeStyle Libre 2, you can track your glucose levels in real time, without the hassle of finger pricks#.
Worn comfortably and discreetly on the back of the upper arm, the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is the smallest 14-day CGM sensor available in New Zealand.*
The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is a standalone system. FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor glucose readings are automatically updated every minute on your phone with the FreeStyle LibreLink appØ, giving you instant feedback on the impact of food, activity, and insulin.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor
The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor represents the latest advancement in the FreeStyle Libre system. It is the world's smallest CGM sensor*, with an extended wear time of up to 15 days.
In New Zealand, the FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is authorised to work with the mylife YpsoPump with CamAPS FX, and the Tandem t:slim x2 pump^ for Automated Insulin Delivery (AID). Real-time FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor glucose readings are displayed on the insulin pump manufacturer's reading device, such as a smartphone app.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is not currently available as a standalone CGM device in New Zealand. The FreeStyle Libre 3 Reader or FreeStyle Libre 3 app is not currently available for use or purchase in New Zealand. The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is currently only available for people who are accessing funded Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems through Pharmac New Zealand.
| 5mm x 35mm | 2.9mm x 21mm |
| Up to 14 days wear time | Up to 15 days wear time |
| Connects with the FreeStyle LibreLink appØ, LibreLinkUp Ω | No apps currently available in NZ |
| 6 meters unobstructed Bluetooth range | 10 meters unobstructed Bluetooth range |
|
Worn on the back of the upper arm |
Worn on the back of the upper arm |
|
No calibration required |
No calibration required |
| Automatic glucose readings every single minute | Automatic glucose readings every single minute |
|
Free from IBOA and MBPA (Common allergens)1 |
Free from IBOA and MBPA (Common allergens)1 |
| For people not using AID systems |
Authorised to work with the mylife YpsoPump with CamAPS FX, and the Tandem t:slim x2 pump^ for automated insulin delivery |
| Available for people with insulin requiring diabetes, aged 4+ | Available for people with diabetes, aged 2+ |
You will need a Special Authority Number and prescription to access funded FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors. Your healthcare provider will apply for the Special Authority Number, which in most cases will be provided on the same day as your appointment.
Take your prescription to your pharmacy to obtain funded sensors. You may need to pay a co-payment (usually $5) at the pharmacy if you do not qualify for free prescriptions.
You will be able to pick up three months' supply of sensors (6x FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors or 7x FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors) with each prescription.
Your authorised healthcare provider will need to provide a new Special Authority Number and prescription
People living with diabetes who are not using an insulin pump/automated insulin delivery (AID) system should select the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor.
People living with diabetes using a pump/automated insulin delivery (AID) system should select the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor
Accessing funded FreeStyle Libre sensors requires a Special Authority. This is valid for one year initially, and then for 2 years with each subsequent renewal. Your healthcare practitioner will apply for this on your behalf. Once a Special Authority has been provided, your healthcare practitioner will need to write you a prescription for FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors. Scripts are valid for up to three months at a time.
For FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors, Special Authority and prescriptions can be obtained from any prescribing healthcare practitioner, including GPs. For FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors, Special Authority and prescriptions can be obtained from all relevant prescribers who care for people with type 1 and other specific forms of diabetes. Due to the highly technical nature of insulin pumps, individuals will still need to have been assessed by a diabetes multidisciplinary team (MDT) that has determined that insulin pump therapy would be appropriate, prior to initiation.
Once the Special Authority Number and a prescription have been obtained, FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors can be accessed from pharmacies.
For FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors, a maximum of 29 sensors will be funded per year. A maximum of 7 sensors can be dispensed per prescription.
For FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors, a maximum of 28 sensors will be funded per year. A maximum of 6 sensors can be dispensed per prescription.
There is no out-of-pocket cost for funded FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors.
The only exception is a $5 charge that applies for new prescriptions, unless the person being prescribed falls into one of the following groups:
• Those aged 13 or under
• Community Services cardholders (or a dependent child of a cardholder);
• Those aged 65 years or over;
• People who hold a Prescription Subsidy Card (PSC)
The $5 charge applies to new prescriptions only, and not to repeats on the same prescription form.
Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems combine three components – a CGM sensor, a control algorithm, and an insulin pump – to automatically adjust and deliver insulin.
Funded sensors cannot be ordered from Mediray.co.nz. They can only be obtained from a pharmacy with a valid prescription.
FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors will remain available for purchase from Mediray.co.nz for individuals who do not meet the Pharmac funding eligibility criteria.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is not currently available to purchase online from Mediray. The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor can currently only be accessed through the Pharmac CGM funding scheme.
The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is not currently available as a standalone CGM device in New Zealand and is not compatible with devices and tools in the FreeStyle Libre system, including the FreeStyle Libre reader, FreeStyle Libre 2 reader, and the FreeStyle LibreLink app. This also means that sensor glucose readings cannot be uploaded to LibreView, and cannot be shared with LibreLinkUp connections.
If you are still unsure on your eligibility, our customer care team is available to help.
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