Ontario To Cover Prescription Drugs (including Insulin) For Under 25s
Ontario to cover prescription drugs (including insulin) for under 25s Ontario to cover prescription drugs (including insulin) for under 25s The groundbreaking decision by the Ontario government to cover the costs of 4400 prescription drugs (including insulin) for all young people under the age of 251 has left Ontarians and the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community hopeful about the future of diabetes care. Effective January 2018, all drugs listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) formulary will be funded. Although insulin is available both with and without a prescription, it is on the ODB and thus is covered. JDRF welcomes the news, which will be an enormous benefit for families of children and Ontarians in their early 20s living with T1D. This decision finally allows all of our young patients with diabetes to have access to insulin as a life-saving therapy and will help close the gap we see in our clinic between those who have additional benefits/insurance coverage and many who do not, explains Dr. Farid Mahmud, a pediatric endocrinologist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Impact on children and teenagers with T1D Not everyone is covered by a third-party plan. Currently, some families make cuts in their food costs and other expenses if they have to buy insulin. Now they wont have to make that difficult choice. This is wonderful and will help many families a great deal, says Virginia Lockyer, the mother of a teenager living with T1D. Im excited for the coverage to start and I am glad the government is finally addressing our needs. Covering drugs for young people makes perfect sense, says Wahed Boutahar, father of 11-year-old Anwar, who lives with T1D. In our case, this will make a big difference because even with our insurance plan, we still have co-payments and Continue reading >>
Disability Tax Credit + The Price Of T1d In Canada
WRITTEN BY: Jen Hanson Editor’s Note: this piece was originally published on the Connected In Motion Blog. Update: On December 4, 2017, Diabetes Canada and JDRF reported: “Internal CRA documents show intent to deny the disability tax credit to Canadians with type 1 diabetes.” Read below for ways to raise your voice in opposition. Outside of November (World Diabetes Month), it’s not that often that Type 1 diabetes hits the mainstream media. This past week though, if you’ve been anywhere near the TV news, talk radio, or a Facebook feed, you’ve probably heard that the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) has made drastic cuts in approvals of Disability Tax Credit applications for adults living with Type 1 diabetes. This has been done without any substantiated explanation or evidence to support that any Type 1 diabetes therapy requires fewer than 14 hours per week to manage – the standard being used for approval of the credit. The CRA denial documents claim that “the type of therapy indicated [in patient applications do] not meet the 14 hour per week criteria.” This, followed up by a letter from Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier outlining that the CRA believes that advances in technology (read: Insulin Pumps) have decreased the time needed by adults to care for for Type 1 diabetes. Perhaps the biggest insult to the Type 1 community is the fact that the CRA has decided that their evaluation of the care needed for Type 1 diabetes supersedes the recommendations of the medical community. Each applicant works with a medical professional to document the minutes and hours required for proper care. An application cannot be submitted without a signature from a medical professional (and, in most cases, follow-up communication with that medical professional to confirm th Continue reading >>
Facebook Scare False: Ontario Has Made No Changes To Diabetes Funding
Facebook scare false: Ontario has made no changes to diabetes funding Ontarios ministry of health and long-term care has debunked social media rumours around changes to blood glucose test strips. The province has not recently made any significant changes to the reimbursement of blood glucose test strips, said spokesperson David Jensen. The only recent proposed change (December 2016) would, if passed, improve access to blood glucose test strips by allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe them. In 2015, coverage was similarly increased for (Ontario Drug Benefit) recipients," he said. The rumour is being spread on Facebook. Users of the social media site are asked to repost a chain message in honour of those with diabetes. Wynne strikes again! All the Diabetics need to read this!!, the post states. The post questions why the province would fund clean needles, supplies and medication for drug addicts who decided to make bad choices, but deny access of supplies to diabetics. The Canadian Diabetes Association has assured its Facebook followers that the rumour is false. We are happy to confirm that the Ministry of Health has made no recent changes. We believe the information that is circulating online may be based on changes that took place in Australia this summer, it states. Continue reading >>
Is Insulin Expensive?
Member T2 since 2006, Gliclazide MR 60 mgs. Maybe one of our Canadian friends can answer for you, but aren't meds and test strips free with your health care up there? I am Canadian. It's not free here. Not test strips, or meds for diabetes. Prescriptions aren't free up here unless you have a medical plan or are over 65. Much of our health care is covered by medicare but not all of it. In fact, less and less is being covered. So, I should find out which strips are the cheapest and get that meter? June 19, 2013 Started 1000 mgs Metformin ER. September 2015 changed meds to Gliclazide MR -7.1 D.D. Family diabetic since 1997, on insulin 2000 My FF turned senior last month so now I am covered a bit on her Alberta Blue Cross. You get $600 of free test strips and/or syringes the rest is 100% out of pocket. still not bad you can buy 100 strips for $55 in funny money at safeway when on sale. sometimes communism is good. Insulin lantus about $76 for 1000 units, R insulin about $26 and apidra about $25. You can reuse syringes till the tip gets too dull if need be. These are regular every day prices with no insurance. So a total of $250 per month should do it. Much less if you skip the lantus and run just on R every 5 hours and apidra at meals. Not fun but doable. PS you can get NPH for about $25 for 1000 units I did not find it gave any advantage over R in my case and its action was much more variable. I have to pee at night so injecting every 5 hours is feasible you can do it with practice without waking fully. If you have the syringe handy on the night table you don't even have to turn on the light to stab tummy grease. Member T2 since 2006, Gliclazide MR 60 mgs. So I called my pharamsist to find out how much my test strips are (because I don't buy them, at the moment my mother Continue reading >>
Disability Tax Credit, Type 1 Diabetes, And A Call To Action In Canada
Outside of November (World Diabetes Month), it’s not that often that Type 1 diabetes hits the mainstream media. This past week though, if you’ve been anywhere near the tv news, talk radio, or a facebook feed, you’ve probably heard that the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) has made drastic cuts in approvals of Disability Tax Credit applications for adults living with Type 1 diabetes. This has been done without any substantiated explanation or evidence to support that any Type 1 diabetes therapy requires fewer than 14 hours per week to manage – the standard being used for approval of the credit. The CRA denial documents claim that “the type of therapy indicated [in patient applications do] not meet the 14 hour per week criteria.” This, followed up by a letter from Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier outlining that the CRA believes that advances in technology (read: Insulin Pumps) have decreased the time needed by adults to care for for Type 1 diabetes. Perhaps the biggest insult to the Type 1 community is the fact that the CRA has decided that their evaluation of the care needed for Type 1 diabetes supersedes the recommendations of the medical community. Each applicant works with a medical professional to document the minutes and hours required for proper care. An application cannot be submitted without a signature from a medical professional (and, in most cases, follow-up communication with that medical professional to confirm the details included in the application.) All of this seems confusing if you aren’t familiar with the credit or the costs of living with Type 1 diabetes in Canada. We wanted to take a moment to address some misconceptions, to lay out some facts, and to encourage the community to take action outside of social media and really make our vo Continue reading >>
Ontario Funds Free Insulin Pumps For Adults
Ontario Funds Free Insulin Pumps For Adults McGuinty Government Moving Forward on Diabetes Strategy TORONTO, Aug. 31 /CNW/ - NEWS Each year, over 1300 adults with type 1 diabetes will receive freeinsulin pumps under a new Ontario program that begins in September. The government will pay 100 per cent of the price - $6,300 - for aninsulin pump, as well as provide an annual grant of $2,400 to help pay forsupplies. The Adult Insulin Pump Program is part of the government's $741 millioncomprehensive strategy to prevent, manage and treat diabetes which wasannounced in July. The diabetes strategy supports Ontario's top twohealth-care priorities of improving access to care and reducing emergency waittimes by helping to keep Ontarians healthier. An insulin pump is a small battery-operated device about the size of apager that is worn on a belt or in a pocket. The device substitutes forself-injections by pumping insulin into the body through a catheter (or a thintube and very fine needle) inserted under the skin. The catheter is changedregularly, usually two or three times a week. Applications for insulin pumps and supplies can be made throughregistered diabetes education centres throughout Ontario. Each centre'sprogram has a multidisciplinary team of health professionals to determineeligibility for an insulin pump as well as to assist in completing theapplication form. Once registered, the teams provide ongoing care and support. QUOTES "Covering the cost of insulin pumps for adult Ontarians with type 1diabetes is a crucial component of our diabetes strategy," said David Caplan,Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. "By improving the way we prevent, treatand manage diabetes, thousands of Ontarians will benefit from a better qualityof life." "Expanding the insulin pump program to Continue reading >>
Ontario To Supply Type-1 Diabetics With Insulin Pump
Ontario to supply Type-1 diabetics with insulin pump Published Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:59PM EDT TORONTO - More than 1,300 Ontario residents with Type-1 diabetes will have access to free insulin pumps under a new provincial initiative. Health Minister David Caplan has announced a $741-million, four-year plan to better manage, prevent and treat diabetes. It includes an online registry to help patients better manage their condition and to help health care providers more easily check patient records. In addition to the registry, which is to come online next spring, the plan will include campaigns to raise awareness of diabetes risk factors. The number of Ontario residents with diabetes has increased by 69 per cent over the last 10 years and is projected to grow from 900,000 to 1.2 million by 2010. Treatment for diabetes and related conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease currently cost Ontario over $5 billion each year. "Our plan will help Ontarians living with diabetes get better access to the care they need, when and where they need it," said Caplan. "The diabetes registry will change the way this disease is managed, ultimately saving more lives and easing hospital wait times." A diabetes patient costs Ontario's health care system over $3,000 in the first year of treatment, but that figure rises to over $5,000 if the patient has complications. Continue reading >>
Prescription Drugs Are About To Be Free For People Under 25 In Ontario
Prescription drugs are about to be free for people under 25 in Ontario Unsubscribe anytime or contact us for details. In four days, prescription drugs will be free to every Ontario resident under the age of 25. No co-payments. No family income requirements. Just a health card. You dont even need to enroll;it's automatic. That's pretty damn huge. Excuse my language, but it is. OHIP+:Children and Youth Pharmacareis one of several huge new policies coming into effect across the province on Jan. 1, 2018. Once it comes into effect, people aged 24 or younger will be able to walk into a pharmacy, present their prescriptions, and get free access to as many as 4,400 different medications. The universal drug program will cover the cost of antibiotics, asthma inhalers, insulin, epi-pens, diabetes test strips, drugs to treat depression, anxiety, epilepsy and ADHD,oral contraceptives, cancer medications, andother drugs people need to get and stay healthy. "Providing medication at no cost for children and youth will make a difference in the lives of Ontario families," reads a government release , including "low-income families, large families, single parents with children, students, young people in the workforce, and unemployed and underemployed young people." Announced in April as part of the provincial budget package, the programis estimated to cost the province $465 million a year, and will cover 4 million youngOntarians. Continue reading >>
Ontario Quietly Cuts Funding For Diabetics’ Blood-sugar Test Strips
The Ontario government is quietly cutting funding for test strips that diabetics use to monitor their blood sugar levels. The move, which takes effect Aug. 1, will save the province up to $25 million annually and will affect mostly non-insulin dependant diabetics who are reimbursed for strips under the Ontario Drug Benefit Program. Health Minister Deb Matthews said the move was prompted by studies showing that many diabetics don’t have to test their blood-sugar levels as frequently as they do. “I am absolutely committed to letting the evidence guide our decisions . . . . In this case we can reduce our expenditures on unnecessary blood-glucose testing and that frees up money for something that does improve outcomes for patients,” she said. No official announcement was made on the cuts but a notice was posted Monday on an obscure section of the health ministry’s website meant for health professionals. Matthews said the notice is targeted at doctors and pharmacists who counsel patients on how often to test their blood. The province will limit the number of strips it will pay for annually to a maximum of 200 for diabetics who can manage the disease through diet and exercise or with oral medication that has a low risk of inducing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Prior to this, there has been no cap on the number of test strips they can use. Each strip costs about 70 cents. The move will affect 162,000 Ontarians with Type 2 diabetes. The public drug program provides coverage for people 65 and older, and younger people on disability support and welfare. According to a March article in the online magazine HealthyDebate.ca, most diabetics who do not use insulin do not need to measure their blood glucose levels daily because oral medications are adjusted every few weeks or Continue reading >>
Ontario's New Youth Pharmacare Program 'just Another Hurdle' For Some Parents
Published Friday, January 12, 2018 6:00AM EST Last Updated Friday, January 12, 2018 9:21AM EST When the Ontario government rolled out its pharmacare-for-children program on Jan. 1, it was touted as a groundbreaking measure that would improve health care for all residents aged 24 and under. But some parents say the new OHIP+ program, which gives the provinces 4 million children and youth free access to more than 4,400 approved medications, is creating more bureaucratic hurdles for kids with certain serious or chronic illnesses that require expensive treatments. The OHIP+ program covers all prescription medications currently listed on the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary . Additional medications eligible for funding through the Exceptional Access Program are now also covered for those under 25. For those who have private insurance for health-care expenses, OHIP+ is now the first payer for approved medications. That means, even if both parents of a sick child have drug coverage through their workplace benefits plans, they first have to seek access to the medication through OHIP+. If the government doesnt cover the cost of the drug, they can then seek reimbursement from their insurance providers. For Joanne Witt, whose 11-month-old son, Hudson, was born five weeks early with a congenital heart defect, the new system has created added work that really wasnt necessary, she said. Before Jan. 1, the cost of Hudsons critical medications was mostly being covered by Witts and her husbands private insurance. After OHIP+ came into effect, Witt discovered that the government program does not cover the specific concentrations of two medications that her son requires. Instead of simply filling the prescriptions and submitting the costs to her insurance company, Witt will now have to req Continue reading >>
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Ohip Coverage For Type 1 Children?
This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More. My daughter, 4 year old, was diagnosed with type 1 two months ago. Currently I have health coverage through work, so all the cost for her blood test strips, lancets etc. is paid by them. But, what if I didn't have health coverage through work? What would be covered by OHIP, and what would I have to pay for? The Glucometer was given to us by Sick Kids, so I am assuming that is covered by OHIP. Just really confused and a bit worried, since we are single income household. Any info on coverage, tax breaks etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Coverage provider #3 : Assistive Devices Program (ADP), Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Who qualifies? Patients 65 years of age or older who use insulin by injection on a daily basis. For what supplies? Annual grant of $170, paid once per year, for the purchase of needles and syringes used to inject insulin. Who qualifies? Children, youth and adults with type 1 diabetes who meet the program?s medical eligibility criteria. You must be assessed and followed up by an ADP-registered Diabetes Education Program. Patients who continue to qualify will have to show that they meet the eligibility criteria. 100 % of the cost of an insulin pump listed with the program, which must be sold to the patient at the ADP-approved price of $6,300. Funding for insulin pumps can be renewed every five years, if the pump is no longer in good working order. An annual grant of $2,400 for related supplies, paid out in four equal payments ($600 each) directly to the patient or their legal agent. The grant must be used to buy supplies needed to make the pump work and must be renewed on a yearly basis. Visit Coverage provider #4 : Assistive Devices Continue reading >>
Diabetes In Canada: Great Coverage, Ay?
We recently launched a series on Diabetes Around the Globe because while diabetes doesn't discriminate, life with diabetes looks very different depending on where you are in the world. We started off with Mike, a British ex-pat living in Spain, followed by Anke from Germany. Today we bring you Jamie, from the Great White North a.k.a. Canada! Jamie Naessens lives in a small town in Ontario, and works in Toronto. She's the mom of a twentysomething and is married to an American ex-pat. Jamie has lived with type 1 diabetes for 21 years and has been pumping for the last four. Buckle up as she takes us on a brief tour of what it's like to live with diabetes in Canada... A Guest Post by Jamie Naessens So, Canadians are almost the same as Americans, aren't they? Except they have free health care, right? Hanging around in a town like Petawawa, you might hear: "So, how is it going, eh?" (So, how'zitgoin'ay?) "If ya got one, I need a ... loonie ($1 coin, named for the loon engraved on it) for that parking meter, or a toonie ($2 coin, rhyming nicely with the loonie) if we're going to be waiting here any longer for that endo appointment." "Let's go to Timmies (Tim Horton's - Starbucks of Canada) afterwards for a double double to go" (coffee, double cream, double sugar). And finally, who can't love a country that has places with names like Spread Eagle, Conception Bay, and Dildo. Really! I kid you not. Well, now that I hopefully have your attention, let's get back to the question of free health care. It's a nice idea, and it is indeed tax-supported, but alas, it's no free ride. Most people who have been touched by diabetes already know that Canada is the birthplace of insulin and its discoverer, Dr. Frederick Banting, so shouldn't diabetes care be a shining jewel? Well perhaps there' Continue reading >>
The Most Costly Places In Canada For Patients To Have Diabetes
The Personal Health Navigator is available to all Canadian patients. Questions about your doctor, hospital or how to navigate the health care system can be sent to [email protected] The Question: What are the best and worst places to have diabetes in Canada, based on the cost of needles and other supplies? The Answer: This question came via twitter from a patient, who rightly pointed out that health care in Canada isn’t always fully covered, especially when it comes to having a chronic condition such as diabetes. Out-of-pocket costs for patients with Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, were lowest per year for those living in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, where it is fully covered. In the Yukon, there is a $250 deductible, then full coverage. The next lowest provinces are Quebec ($1,546.58) and Saskatchewan ($1,870.50). The highest costs were encountered in New Brunswick ($3,426.99), Newfoundland and Labrador ($3,396.04) and Prince Edward Island ($3036.31). Ontario ($2,073.50) was considered a middle performer. That compares to the Canadian average ($1,824.97), according to June 2011 data provided by the Canadian Diabetes Association. Those figures are based on payments made by those with an annual individual income of $30,000. In many cases, the out-of-pocket increases for those with the higher incomes of $43,000 and $75,000, save for the Yukon, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, where the amounts are the same, no matter the income. The amounts are based on case studies and include the cost for medications, devices, test strips for glucometers and other supplies – items that are not typically covered on public health plans. Though the Canadian Diabetes Association’s method on tracking costs is limited – it cannot be gene Continue reading >>
Access To Medications, Devices And Supplies & Your Rights
What is Diabetes Canada’s position on access to diabetes medications, devices and supplies? People with diabetes should have timely access to medication, supplies and medical devices that can improve their immediate quality of life and that may decrease the likelihood of future interventions which are often more costly and less effective. Federal, provincial and territorial governments should commit to the development of an effective formulary system (or systems), which is (are) mindful of products providing the best outcomes based on sound medical evidence and which do not create additional barriers to access. New products with proven efficacy should be listed in a timely fashion. Read Diabetes Canada's full position statement on access to diabetes medications, devices and supplies, including background and rationale. What is Diabetes Canada’s position on the cost of diabetes medications, devices and supplies? Federal, provincial and territorial governments should commit to a strategy such that the cost to the individual of diabetes medication, supplies and medical devices, as well as the costs associated with diabetes-related complications, are not a barrier or a burden to managing the disease. Read Diabetes Canada's full position statement on the cost of diabetes medications, devices and supplies, including background and rationale. Will my diabetes drugs and supplies be covered? Whether you are covered by a private, employer or public health plan, you cannot assume all your drugs and supplies will be paid for. Each provincial, territorial, private, and employer health plan has its own “formulary” of medications and supplies, which is a listing of drugs and supplies covered by the plan and on what conditions. Do I qualify for public drug coverage? Provincial Continue reading >>
Can I Get Help To Pay For My Diabetes Medications And Supplies?
Government of Canada activities and initiatives Funding: Call for Concepts to Increase awareness and take-up of the Canada Learning Bond. Continue reading >>
