The provincial government is expanding insulin pump coverage, so any B.C. resident requiring one to manage diabetes will have access under PharmaCare.
“For many individuals diagnosed with diabetes, insulin pumps can have a positive impact on their health,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix in making the announcement. “It allows them to better manage their condition, improving their quality of life and well-being, and preventing serious secondary conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to nerve damage.”
According to Dix, up to now, many people over 25 years old, who rely on an insulin pump to manage their chronic disease, have been forced to make the difficult choice between purchasing this device for their health, or foregoing it due to cost.
“Going forward, they won’t be put in this position. Following through on a pledge made by Premier John Horgan, the provincial government is removing the age restriction for insulin pump coverage,” Dix added.
With this change in coverage, taking effect on July 3, B.C. becomes one of only three provinces to cover insulin pumps for people living with diabetes requiring one, regardless of age. Approximately 485,000 British Columbians live with diabetes. It is expected that roughly 830 adults over 25 years of age will benefit from the expansion in the first year.
While not required for all individuals diagnosed with diabetes, insulin pumps offer many people a reliable and stable way of monitoring and scheduling insulin doses, which can have a positive impact on one’s quality of life. Insulin pumps can range in cost from approximately $6,000 to $7,000, and require replacing roughly every five years.
“On behalf of B.C. volunteer advocates, Diabetes Canada commends the provincial government for making this decision,” said Sheila Kern, regional director, B.C. and Yukon, Diabetes Canada. “Type 1 diabetes doesn’t stop at age 25, and we are so pleased that insulin pump coverage won’t also.
The anticipated cost of expanding insulin pump coverage to all eligible British Columbians, no matter their age, will be approximately $15 million over three years. Patients must meet with their diabetes physician specialist to determine whether they meet the eligibility criteria for an insulin pump. The patient’s physician would then apply to PharmaCare’s special authority department for insulin pump coverage.
