Offaly cancer patients denied reimbursement for diabetes monitoring technology

Independent TD Carol Nolan has said she finds it “almost unbelievable” that a HSE reimbursement scheme for costs incurred by diabetes patients, including for those who may live with multiple other illnesses such as cancer, does not extend to cohorts with type 2 diabetes who require Continuous Glucose Monitoring technology.

The Offaly TD raised the matter in the Dáil with Taoiseach Micheál Martin on foot of representations from a constituent who is living with cancer and type 2 diabetes.

However following engagement with the HSE Deputy Nolan was informed that only persons with type 1 diabetes can access the reimbursement scheme irrespective of whether or not patients previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes now live with type 1 diabetes based on laboratory investigations.

The HSE says that in line with the advice from HIQA and due to the budget impact associated with CGM sensors, reimbursement support at this point in time limited to patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, who have required insulin from the outset:

“I find it absolutely extraordinary that the HSE and indeed HIQA can talk about cost-effectiveness assessments and budget impacts when we are talking here about access to glucose monitoring technology that quite literally could prevent a diabetes patient from falling into a diabetic coma,” said Deputy Nolan.

“I called on the Taoiseach to directly intervene with the Minister for Health and the HSE to have this situation reviewed. It is vital that those who cannot afford access to this inexpensive monitoring technology can be assisted,” concluded Deputy Nolan.