Health Insurance Must Cover Diabetes Care for Child at Daycare
A German court has ruled that a health insurance provider must cover the costs for a diabetic child's care at a daycare center. The decision affirms the child's right to necessary medical attention during daycare hours.
A German court has confirmed that a health insurance provider is obligated to cover the costs for the care of a diabetic child at a daycare facility. The Saxon State Social Court (Landessozialgericht) in Chemnitz upheld a previous ruling by the Social Court (Sozialgericht) in Dresden, rejecting an appeal from the health insurance company.
The five-year-old child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a hospital, characterized by fluctuating blood sugar levels. The child requires regular blood sugar monitoring and insulin administration with meals.
The health insurance company had initially approved prescription-based blood sugar monitoring and insulin treatment but refused to cover additional care measures during daycare hours. This refusal came despite the child attending daycare for approximately eight hours daily and the mother having undergone specific training for diabetes management.
The court determined that the insurance provider must ensure the necessary care is provided, even if the child utilizes an automated insulin pump. According to the court, the care does not necessitate a certified nurse and can be administered by a trained adult experienced in diabetes management.