Health Minister halts changes to insulin pump therapy program

Since the announcement many with type 1 diabetes have expressed concern about the costs they would be facing.

Diabetes Canada also wrote a letter to the Health Minister calling for Copping to suspend plans to dismantle the program and initiate meaningful consultation with the diabetes community.

“We have heard from Albertans who will be unable to pay the premium and co-pay imposed by the new policy. This will leave them with no choice but to resume multiple daily injections of insulin and effectively compromise their ability to manage their diabetes. In some cases, it may force Albertans to make difficult choices between paying for needed diabetes drugs, devices, and supplies, or paying for necessities like rent or food,” said Russel Williams, senior vice president.

Williams added that some Albertans living with Type 1 diabetes have indicated that their private plans do not routinely cover insulin pumps, or their plans are capped at an annual maximum amount, further increasing out-of-pocket costs for diabetes management.

Copping had stated earlier that cancelling the program would save the government about $9 million.

by Regan Tate

Health Minister halts changes to insulin pump therapy program

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