Improved diabetes testing strip
Media Release
Savings for patients with improved diabetes testing strip
PHARMAC is to subsidise a new testing strip for people with diabetes to monitor glucose levels.
From August 1 the new blood glucose test (brandname Advantage II) will be included on the subsidy list.
From the same date the old blood glucose test
(Advantage) which had a manufacturer’s surcharge will be
discontinued. It will be taken off the list on
February
1.
PHARMAC General Manager Wayne McNee says the decision will provide people with diabetes with another fully subsidised brand.
He says the new strip is a better quality product as it is more accurate and requires less blood than the version it replaces. It will also be less expensive for the patients.
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