Across the world the Governments of the individual countries take a varying view on this chronic disease. In America (this is not first hand experience) there are a lot more options and ranges but the help from the government is extremely limited. The way of affordable survivable is health insurance. I could not image the extra level of difficulty that this would bring to the world of T1.
On the complete opposite side you have the government in the UK who see T1D for what it is and help out to the ultimate end and supply everything at no cost to the individual who has T1D. I have been told there are waiting lists, restrictions and people who rought the system however it is one less thing that has to be worried about.
We now come to Australia. We have obviously taken a look at what works in the system in America and what works in the UK and met in the middle. The simplistic way to describe it is that the essentials such as test strips, insulin, pump supplies, ect ect ... are subsidised. We still have out of pocket expenses for everything other than needles (they are free) but there is help.
The most important thing to do is register for the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). This is the governmental agency that has the registration allowing the subsidised products to be purchased. This is monitored to the point that when I went from MDI to being on a pump which meant a lot more blood tests. Shortly after the change was done I received a letter informing me that I had exceeded the amount of test strips that I could purchase in a set period. I had to contact my endocrinologist and have a medical explanation written to ensure the limit could be extended. Since that was done I haven't had a problem again. Second thing to ensure you look for is entitlement for a health care card if you or your child is under the age of 16 then this is an automatic right to have. When I was first diagnosed, and keep in mind I was 10 y/o, the age limit for a health care card was 10 y/o so for me and my family we missed out but I am glad to say that along the way the government has realised that the age limit needs to increase and they have done so.
One thing that the government has helped shape a way to procure but not help subsidise is the insulin infusion pump for non child T1D's and as the instance of diagnosis getting older and now not only children the only way to get one is through private health insurance. I say that the government has helped the procurement process because they were instrumental in getting the health insurance providers to agree to cover what is now determined to be an artificial prosthesis.
As with anything about dealing with government agencies is the red tape, the processes that have to be followed and the time that it takes to get what is entitled. To put it simply to get it done is to do exactly what is asked and provide all that is needed in a timely manner. Sometimes it will take asking the same question 10 times to get the answer you want. You need to be patient and persistent all at the same time.
The only thing that I will never understand is the ability to get never ending scripts or referrals to the specialists and medication that we need. I understand that the need to maintain the contact with the specialists is of upmost importance however this disease is for life and to be able to have the ability have a script or referral that is endless would help simplify a complicated life.
I believe that we are lucky to live in a country that helps but doesn't allow the system to be abused. I think the government needs to concentrate and put more funding into T1D rather than trying to get T2's up and about. These are my opinions but one day the government will look at the minority rather than the majority and put the required funding in to cure a disease rather than prevent a lifestyle choice.
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