Pharmac to fund FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors for people with type 1 diabetes or other specific forms of diabetes, from 1 October 2024  

On 29 August 2024, Pharmac confirmed their decision to fund continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, insulin pumps and insulin pump consumables for people with type 1 diabetes or other specific forms of diabetes, from 1 October 2024. 

“We know that people with type 1 diabetes have waited a long time for this decision, and we are grateful for your patience. The decision has been made after careful consideration of feedback we received following consultation. 

We know this decision will make a real difference to thousands of people and their whānau who face the daily challenges of managing their diabetes health care, and we are pleased to provide funding for these life-changing products.” 

Source: Pharmac.govt.nz Accessed 29 Aug 2024. 

 

There will be two FreeStyle Libre products funded through this Pharmac scheme: the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor, and the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor. 

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor 

From 1 October 2024, the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor will be funded by Pharmac for people who meet the following criteria:

• Type 1 diabetes; or
• Permanent neonatal diabetes or specific monogenic diabetes subtypes with insulin deficiency, considered by the treating endocrinologist as likely to benefit; or
• Type 3c diabetes considered by the treating endocrinologist as likely to benefit (Type 3c diabetes includes insulin deficiency due to pancreatectomy, insulin deficiency secondary to cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis); or
• Atypical inherited forms of diabetes.

What is the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor? With FreeStyle Libre 2, you can track your glucose levels in real time, without the hassle of finger pricks.^   Worn comfortably and discreetly on the back of the upper arm, the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is the smallest 14-day CGM sensor available in New Zealand.‡   FreeStyle Libre sensors are the only CGM sensors in New Zealand that take a glucose reading every single minute.‡ FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor glucose readings are automatically updated every minute on your phone with the FreeStyle LibreLink app†, giving you instant feedback on the impact of food, activity, and insulin. Click HERE to learn more about the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor.

 

The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor 

The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is a new product that will be available in New Zealand from 1 October 2024. It is only available for people who are also accessing funded insulin pumps through Pharmac. 

From this date, the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor will be funded by Pharmac for people who meet the following criteria:

• Any of the following:
  ○ Type 1 diabetes; or
  ○ Permanent neonatal diabetes or specific monogenic diabetes subtypes with insulin deficiency, considered by the treating endocrinologist as likely to benefit; or
  ○ Type 3c diabetes considered by the treating endocrinologist as likely to benefit (Type 3c diabetes includes insulin deficiency due to pancreatectomy, insulin deficiency secondary to cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis); or
  ○ Atypical inherited forms of diabetes
• AND:
  ○ In the opinion of the treating relevant practitioner the patient would benefit from an Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system.

Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems combine three components – a CGM sensor, a control algorithm, and an insulin pump – to automatically adjust and deliver insulin.

What is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor?  The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is the latest innovation to the FreeStyle Libre system and includes the following features:  The world’s smallest CGM sensor±, measuring 21 x 2.9mm (approximately the size of two stacked 10c coins). Extended wear time of up to 15 days.  Takes a glucose reading every single minute. Indicated for people with diabetes aged 2 and older. Unsurpassed 15-day accuracy1 Increased Bluetooth range to 10 metres (unobstructed) Authorised to work with select insulin pumps in New Zealand: the mylife YpsoPump with CamAPS FX, and the Tandem t:slim x2 with Basal-IQ or Control-IQ.*

The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is not currently available as a standalone CGM device in New Zealand and is not currently compatible with devices and tools in the FreeStyle Libre system, including the FreeStyle LibreLink app. The FreeStyle Libre 3 app and the FreeStyle Libre 3 reader are not currently available for use or purchase in New Zealand. 

 

The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is authorised to work with the mylife YpsoPump with CamAPS FX and the Tandem t:slim x2 with Basal-IQ or Control-IQ*, and will transmit glucose data directly to the insulin pump manufacturer’s device. Real-time FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor glucose readings will be displayed on the insulin pump manufacturer's reading device, such as a smartphone app. The insulin pump manufacturer's device is currently the only compatible method for users to view FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor glucose readings.   

*The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor will be authorised to work with the Tandem t:slim X2 pump in the near future (no later than 1 July 2025). The Tandem team is currently working on updates to their system to create one easy, integrated experience when using our sensors. Please keep an eye on FreeStyleLibre.co.nz for updates or call 0800 106 100 for more information. 
​

Next steps for accessing funded FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors 

Speak to your GP or diabetes specialist team about accessing funded FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors.  

You will need a prescription to access funded FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors, which can be written by your GP or your diabetes specialist team. You will need a new prescription every three months. 

Take your prescription to your pharmacy to obtain funded sensors. You may need to pay a co-payment (usually $5) at the pharmacy if you do not qualify for free prescriptions. 

You will be able to pick up three months’ supply of sensors (7x FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors/FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors) with each prescription.  

 

FAQs

1. Which sensor is right for me? The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor?
   People living with diabetes who are not using an insulin pump/automated insulin delivery (AID) system should select the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor.
   People living with diabetes using a pump/automated insulin delivery (AID) system should select the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor
   
   
2. What do I need to be eligible to access funded FreeStyle Libre sensors?
   Accessing funded FreeStyle Libre sensors requires a Special Authority. This is valid for one year initially, and then for 2 years with each subsequent renewal. Your healthcare practitioner will apply for this on your behalf.
   Once a Special Authority has been provided, your healthcare practitioner will need to write you a prescription for FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors. Scripts are valid for up to three months at a time.
   
   
3. Who can provide Special Authority and prescriptions for FreeStyle Libre sensors?
   For FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors, Special Authority and prescriptions can be obtained from any prescribing healthcare practitioner, including GPs.
   For FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors, Special Authority and prescriptions can be obtained from all relevant prescribers who care for people with type 1 and other specific forms of diabetes. Due to the highly technical nature of insulin pumps, individuals will still need to have been assessed by a diabetes multidisciplinary team (MDT) that has determined that insulin pump therapy would be appropriate, prior to initiation.
   
   
4. Where do I access funded FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors?
   Once Special Authority and a prescription has been obtained, FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors can be accessed from pharmacies.
   
   
5. Are there limits to how many sensors I can access?
   For FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors, a maximum of 29 sensors will be funded per year. A maximum of 7 sensors can be dispensed per prescription.
   For FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors, a maximum of 28 sensors will be funded per year. A maximum of 7 sensors can be dispensed per prescription.
   
   
6. Is there any out-of-pocket cost?
   There is no out-of-pocket cost for funded FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors.
   The only exception is a $5 charge that applies for new prescriptions, unless the person being prescribed falls into one of the following groups:
   • Those aged 13 or under
   • Community Services cardholders (or a dependent child of a cardholder);
   • Those aged 65 years or over;
   • People who hold a Prescription Subsidy Card (PSC)
   The $5 charge applies to new prescriptions only, and not to repeats on the same prescription form.
   
   
7. What is an Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system?
   Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems combine three components – a CGM sensor, a control algorithm, and an insulin pump – to automatically adjust and deliver insulin.
   
   
8. Can I order funded sensors from Mediray.co.nz?
   Funded sensors cannot be ordered from Mediray.co.nz. They can only be obtained from a pharmacy with a valid prescription.
   FreeStyle Libre 2 sensors will remain available for purchase from Mediray.co.nz for individuals who do not meet the Pharmac funding eligibility criteria.
   
   
9. Will I be able to buy the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor online from Mediray, like I do currently
   for FreeStyle Libre 2?
   The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is not currently available to purchase online from Mediray. The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor can currently only be accessed through the Pharmac CGM funding scheme.
   
   
10. Can I use the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor without a pump?
    The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is not currently available as a standalone CGM device in New Zealand and is not compatible with devices and tools in the FreeStyle Libre system, including the FreeStyle Libre reader, FreeStyle Libre 2 reader, and the FreeStyle LibreLink app. This also means that sensor glucose readings cannot be uploaded to LibreView, and cannot be shared with LibreLinkUp connections.
    The FreeStyle Libre 3 reader and the FreeStyle Libre 3 app is not currently available for use or purchase in New Zealand.
    The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor is authorised to work with the mylife YpsoPump with CamAPS FX and the Tandem t:slim x2 with Basal-IQ or Control-IQ* and will transmit glucose data directly to the insulin pump manufacturer’s device. Real-time FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor glucose readings will be displayed on the insulin pump manufacturer's reading device, such as a smartphone app. The insulin pump manufacturer's device is currently the only compatible method for users to view FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor glucose readings.
    * The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor will be authorised to work with the Tandem t:slim X2 pump in the near future (no later than 1 July 2025). The Tandem team is currently working on updates to their system to create one easy, integrated experience when using our sensors. Please keep an eye on FreeStyleLibre.co.nz for updates or call 0800 106 100 for more information.
    
    
    
    

    ^Finger pricks are required if glucose readings and alarms do not match symptoms or expectations 

    ‡ Compared to other on-market CGMs in New Zealand. As of Aug 2024. †Glucose readings are automatically displayed in the FreeStyle LibreLink app when the sensor has been started with the app, and the smartphone and sensor are connected and in range. Optional scan to backfill up to 8 hours of data following a period of lost sensor connection. The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check www.freestylelibre.co.nz for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView. 

    ± Compared to other on-marked CGMs. As of Aug 2024.

    1.U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 510(k) K222447. 2023. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/reviews/K222447.pdf. Accessed 28 Aug 2024.

    The FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM System is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people (aged 4 and older) with insulin-dependent diabetes. Always read the instructions for use. The system must not be used with automated insulin dosing (AID) systems, including closed-loop and insulin suspend systems. The sensor must be removed prior to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus CGM System is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people (aged 2+) with diabetes mellitus. Always read the instructions for use. The sensor must be removed prior to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). 

    The sensor housing, FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott. Information contained herein is for distribution outside of the USA only. Abbott Australasia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Diabetes Care, 666 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108, Australia. ABN 95 000 180 389. ADC-91615 V3.0