Beneficiaries can now access the MiniMed Flex and its latest sensor portfolio, which currently includes the Simplera Sync sensor, a disposable, all-in-one sensor with easy two-step insertion. The company plans to roll it out with the Instinct sensor, made by Abbott, later this summer. It also added Abbott’s dual glucose-ketone sensor (still investigational in the U.S.) to its portfolio this year.
Expanded access makes Flex the company’s smallest and only app-controlled insulin pump system available to this population.
Northridge, California-based MiniMed, the former Medtronic Diabetes unit, offers Flex at roughly the size of two stacked insulin vials — about half the size of other MiniMed pumps. Still, it holds 300 units of insulin, fitting into everyday life no matter what a person wants to wear.
MiniMed says Flex offers its first screenless design, created in partnership with people living with diabetes. The company aimed to deliver an intuitive, lifestyle-friendly way to manage the condition. MiniMed’s SmartGuard algorithm with Meal Detection technology powers the pump.
Flex picked up FDA clearance in March and the company announced the initial commercial rollout of the pump last month.
“Managing diabetes is relentless — and no one should have to do it without the best tools available,” said Que Dallara, CEO, MiniMed. “Ensuring Medicare access to MiniMed Flex is about making sure more people can benefit from technology that fits into daily life and takes some of the burden off their shoulders. Everyone deserves that regardless of age.”
