Croatia has one National Health Insurance HZZO, all decisions made by HZZO directly affect all people with diabetes in Croatia. Less than two years ago, there was no stand-alone CGM system available through health insurance. Pharmaceutical companies, often refer to Croatia as a small and poor market and therefore insignificant.
Great number of patients from Croatia were self-funding CGM sensors for better control of diabetes. The aim of the initiative “Life with less pain” was to bring advanced CGM technology to Croatia and to reimbursement list.
Aims:
1. create the pressure to the rtCGM/fCGM manufactures to come to Croatia
2. pressure Health Insurance to expand reimbursement list
Patients with diabetes played a crucial role in the initiative “Life with less pain”. But the importance of other stakeholders was greatly endorsed and appreciated. Without great support from doctors, Politicians, Media and the general public – nothing would be done.
Diabetics were connected through closed Facebook group and associations. They exchanged knowledge, ideas, and motivation for a common goal. “Everybody knows somebody, who knows somebody, who’s important”.
Abbott fGMS is reimbursed under certain conditions, so all T1D patients can get a recommendation if they meet the terms. As a result, the expansion of CGMS in Croatia is significant despite some obstacles. Almost all children are using sensors in Croatia. Also, one company registered the first stand-alone rtCGMS system and the process of reimbursing through health insurance is underway.
Patients with diabetes should be active because they carry important role in their rights