Expanding Coverage
In April 2023, the U.S. Medicare program expanded access to continuous glucose monitoring systems like the FreeStyle Libre 2 system and the FreeStyle Libre 14-day system for insulin-using4 Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes, removing the prior requirement of multiple daily insulin injections.
This means that Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes and a history of problematic hypoglycemia5 may also be eligible to have their FreeStyle Libre 2 system or FreeStyle Libre 14-day system covered for reimbursement.
Great news, but it gets better. And more international.
In June, the French health authorities granted the expansion of reimbursement coverage of FreeStyle Libre 2 system to include all people who use insulin as part of their diabetes management. France is the first country to expand national reimbursement of Abbott’s world-leading FreeStyle Libre technology to people with diabetes who use once-daily (basal) insulin.
Last year, continuous glucose monitors were approved for provincial reimbursement in Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba in Canada. Also, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare approved the expansion of reimbursement coverage for the FreeStyle Libre system to include all people with diabetes who use basal insulin.
"If there is a location that has a person living with diabetes, we want our FreeStyle Libre system there,” said Alexander Seibold, medical director for Abbott’s Diabetes Care business in Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Access improves health and can save lives.”
Diabetes is one of the most expensive chronic conditions to manage. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), medical expenditures for people with diabetes is $16,752 a year, or 2.3 times more than for people without diabetes.6
We have the opportunity to improve the lives of millions of people living with diabetes with early, affordable access to life-changing technology. Real-world and clinical data show that FreeStyle Libre technology helps people with diabetes improve their glucose control, lower their HbA1Cs, decrease diabetes-related hospital admissions, and improve their quality of life. It also lowers diabetes-related costs for people and health systems.7
We’ll continue to partner with organizations, local communities, and governments to advance equity, giving as many people as possible their key to unlocking healthier, better lives.
The view expressed is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations, and circumstances may vary.
Deon Groomes is a participate in the U GOT THIS PROGRAM as part of the American Diabetes Association® Health Equity Now platform sponsored by Abbott. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
