Insulin pumps only for the young?

Currently in Poland, insulin pumps are only reimbursed to patients up to the age of 26. After crossing this age limit, people with type 1 diabetes lose financial support and have to bear the cost of purchasing the pump on their own, which can reach tens of thousands of zlotys. Many patients are unable to afford this, forcing them to give up this form of therapy.

The Ombudsman has received complaints from patients and their relatives pointing to inequalities in access to modern treatments. Insulin administration via a pump provides better glycemic control and reduces the risk of dangerous complications such as retinopathy, diabetic foot and kidney damage. Nevertheless, reimbursement ends on the patient's 26th birthday.

Similar problems apply to continuous glycemic monitoring (CGM) systems. Although reimbursement has been extended to certain groups of patients over the age of 26, many patients still do not meet certain criteria and must self-fund the devices.

According to patients and their relatives, it is necessary to extend reimbursement for insulin pumps and CGM systems for adult patients to ensure continuity of treatment and a better quality of life. The RPO has asked Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna whether legislative changes on this issue are planned.

Currently, treatment of diabetes with insulin pumps and CGM systems is a publicly funded guaranteed benefit. However, the regulations governing this issue are not consistent, with one indicating that reimbursement is required for those up to the age of 26, while others also cover patients requiring intensive insulin therapy, regardless of age.

Source: RPO