Type 1 diabetes sufferers in for price hike
Those suffering from Type 1 diabetes will be hit with a steep hike in prescription costs when a life-changing insulin is removed from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in April 2023.
Local Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Senator Anne Ruston have revealed 15,000 Australian families will be affected when the drug Fiasp becomes less accessible from April 1.
Fiasp is a mealtime insulin that is designed to improve blood sugar control in diabetes sufferers at a faster rate than alternative diabetes medications.
Mr O’Brien said he was made aware of the issue by the mother of a young high school student on the Sunshine Coast “whose quality of life will now be at risk from the government’s decision”.
“Freya Goldston is a 14-year-old, high-performing student in my electorate who will tell anybody about the remarkable impact that this medicine has had on her life,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Freya’s family will have her prescription go from around $7 to more than $280 at a time when households are already under serious financial pressure.
“The Labor Government needs to provide an immediate solution to support the 15,000 families who will otherwise need to start making decisions about what household expenses they can cut back on to afford this life-changing medicine.”
Mr O’Brien shared the former Coalition Government listed Fiasp on the PBS in 2019 to ensure accessible prices to the fast-acting insulin for diabetes patients.
“But now, without any consultation or support for the patients impacted, the government’s decision to suddenly remove Fiasp from the PBS is sending the price soaring,” he said.
A spokesperson for Health Minister Mark Butler said his office was alerted of the drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk removing Fiasp from the PBS on February 22 2023.
“The minister’s office is now working with the department and Novo Nordisk,” the spokesperson said.
“We understand the decision by Novo Nordisk to remove Fiasp from the PBS has been concerning for many Australians living with diabetes and their families.”
The spokesperson did not comment on whether there was consultation or support for impacted diabetics when Mr Butler was approached about the removal of Fiasp.
Nearly 28,000 people have signed a petition online created by Belinda Moore called “Save Fiasp from falling off the PBS”.
“The Australian diabetes community will keep advocating until we witness no evidence of inequitable access to diabetes services, clinicians, technology and therapies.”
Ms Ruston also said he was disappointed in the government's decision as Australians are already suffering from a cost-of-living crisis, and the removal of Fiasp from the PBS will affect thousands of Australians.
“The government must urgently guarantee that they will provide sufficient support to ensure the viability of affordable diabetes medications in Australia,” Ms Ruston said.
Image credit: Shutterstock