Medtronic MiniMed 780G Now Available in the US, Covered by Medicare
By Arvind SommiSusannah Chen
Medtronic has announced that its most advanced hybrid closed-loop system, the MiniMed 780G, is now being covered under Medicare in the United States. The Medtronic 780G, which pairs with the Guardian 4 sensor, automatically adjusts its output based on CGM readings.
Medtronic announced that its latest insulin pump, the MiniMed 780G, is now covered for anyone on Medicare and Medicare Advantage who has type 1 diabetes and meets eligibility requirements. Active immediately, the company will begin processing 780G orders and shipping the devices over the next few weeks.
The Medtronic MiniMed 780G was approved by the FDA in April 2023 for those with type 1 diabetes over age 7, paving the way for Medtronic to distribute its latest insulin pump across the country, and Medtronic recently announced shipments of the system were underway in the U.S. The MiniMed 780G was submitted for FDA approval in 2021 but faced a delay due to quality control issues at Medtronic’s manufacturing facility. The device was approved in Europe in 2020 and Canada in November 2022.
The system features SmartGuard technology that automatically adjusts your insulin pump's output based on continuous glucose monitor (CGM) readings. As a hybrid closed-loop system, the MiniMed 780G can sync to Medtronic’s Guardian Connect CGM and use the data to adjust insulin dosing.
"Mealtimes prove to be one of the biggest challenges for people living with type 1 diabetes,” said Que Dallara, president of Medtronic Diabetes. “Now for the first time, the MiniMed 780G system addresses this unmet need with automatic, real-time insulin corrections."
"A lot can happen to blood sugars in the span of an hour or even just a few minutes, so we've designed our system for real life – the algorithm adapts to the user and helps compensate for everyday challenges that are quite common around mealtimes," said Dallara.
Medtronic MiniMed 780G features
The MiniMed 780G is Medtronic’s most advanced insulin pump system and includes the following features:
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SmartGuard: This protective technology, which aims to automatically anticipate and correct highs as well as prevent lows, automatically adjusts insulin delivery every five minutes, up to 288 times per day. It's the most significant improvement to the existing MiniMed 670G system. A study conducted by Medtronic found that SmartGuard autocorrections can compensate for inaccurate carb counts. Over 70% of study participants reported putting in less effort to avoid highs, and 70% reported less effort to avoid lows.
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Automatic correction boluses: Unlike Medtronic’s previous 770G pump, the 780G includes automatic correction boluses.
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MiniMed mobile app: Glucose levels can be viewed using Apple or Android smartphones. The app allows users to track blood sugar levels and provides alerts for trending highs or lows.
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Adjustable diabetes goals: While the default target glucose range is set at 120 mg/dL, it can be adjusted to 110 or 100 mg/dL.
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CareLink connect app: This app allows for sharing real-time diabetes data in your CareLink support network. Having access to glucose levels and insulin pump information remotely, as many as five CareLink partners can check on you and make sure you're safe.
The MiniMed 780G system is composed of three separate but connected devices:
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Continuous glucose monitor: The Guardian 4 Sensor measures blood glucose every five minutes and sends these readings to the insulin pump. The CGM is designed to be replaced every seven days.
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Infusion set: The MiniMed Mio Advance infusion set is a pre-loaded insertion device with a 90-degree soft cannula and automatic needle retraction. It can be inserted with just one hand. The Mio Advance infusion set needs to be changed every 2-3 days. The newer Extended infusion set can be worn for up to seven days.
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Insulin pump: The 780G pump is waterproof and makes automatic adjustments and corrections to insulin delivery. It will release more insulin if your blood glucose is trending high and less when you're trending low.
How much does the MiniMed 780G cost?
Current MiniMed 770G users can upgrade to the 780G at no additional cost through a remote software update.
MiniMed insulin pump users who are not currently using the 770G may qualify for Medtronic’s standard four-year replacement warranty. Those who purchased a MiniMed insulin pump between Nov. 14, 2018 and April 11, 2019 may be able to upgrade for $99. Medtronic pump users with more than six months of warranty remaining can upgrade to the 780G for $399.
Medtronic MiniMed users whose insulin pumps fall outside the four-year warranty period can still exchange devices for a $500 credit toward the 780G. People using an in-warranty pump from another company also qualify for the $500 trade-in credit. The final cost of the Medtronic MiniMed 780G may vary based on insurance.
How to upgrade from the MiniMed 770G or 670G
The MiniMed 780G system is approved for people with type 1 diabetes age 7 and above. Eligible users who are interested in upgrading to the MiniMed 780G should contact Medtronic for help purchasing, shipping, and scheduling in-person training sessions; a request to order can be submitted through Medtronic.
Speak with your healthcare provider about the options available for upgrading to the newest MiniMed system. To learn more about Medtronic’s MiniMed systems and automated insulin delivery read our articles here:
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MiniMed 770G Automated Insulin Delivery Cleared for Children
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Promising Research Shows Automated Insulin Delivery Improves Time in Range
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Automated Insulin Delivery: Six Universal Observations and Understandings
