PAYMENT BY THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE FUND OF MODERN MEDICAL DEVICES FOR TREATMENT AND CONTROL OF DIABETES IN BULGARIA
Keywords:
diabetes mellitus, modern medical devices, reimbursement amount, health insured persons, National Health Insurance FundAbstract
Approximately 9 million residents worldwide live with type 1 diabetes, and therefore need insulin. The continuous improvement of new technologies makes it possible to create ever smaller and lighter devices, providing comfort to patients.
The purpose of the present study is to explore the dynamics of the reimbursement amount from the National Health Insurance Fund of modern medical devices for the treatment and control of diabetes mellitus type 1 in the conditions of outpatient medical care in Bulgaria for the period 2021-2024.
Methodology: To process and analyze the obtained results, we used the following research methods: documentary method, comparative method, system method, mathematical method, tabular method, graphical method.
Results: Based on the study conducted, it becomes clear that since 2023, the amount that the NHIF pays for insulin pumps and sensors for continuous glucose monitoring in type 1 diabetes mellitus in outpatient care has increased dramatically, which in 2024 reached an increase of 889.64% compared to the beginning of the research period. The increase is due to the increase in the number of health insured persons to whom the NHIF pays for this type of medical devices. From 2021 to 2024, the relative number of these individuals increased by 484.51%.
Discussion: More modern medical devices, including insulin pumps, offer freedom and flexibility in the lifestyle of those who use them. Everyone suffering from type 1 diabetes, as well as some patients with type 2 diabetes, will need insulin injections in some form for the rest of their lives. Insulin pumps can facilitate the treatment of diabetes, as can sensors - continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Conclusion: Diabetes treatment and control technology has come a long way, starting with glucometers and constant (several times a day) monitoring of blood sugar levels, now reaching the less invasive and easier to use advanced insulin pumps and sensors. In response to modern requirements, the National Health Insurance Fund is paying for the treatment and control of diabetes for more and more needy patients.
Recommendations: Due to the possibility of using insulin pumps by people with type 2 diabetes who are treated with insulin, our recommendation is that the NHIF pay for this type of modern medical device for their treatment and blood sugar control.
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