A person with Type 1 diabetes who relocated to Nova Scotia recently expressed frustrations over facing significant out-of-pocket costs while attempting to access provincial programs designed to assist with the expenses associated with insulin and related supplies.
Beck Marie, aged 28, made the move to Bridgewater, N.S., earlier this year from British Columbia, where they were covered for essential devices like an insulin pump and glucose monitoring sensor.
Marie, lacking a primary care provider at the time, encountered challenges with the application process in Nova Scotia, which necessitated approvals from specific health-care specialists within the province.
Despite having a decade-long history of using the same insulin pump, Marie found it difficult to access the necessary specialist care, with an 18-month wait time to see an endocrinologist, a specialist in diabetes treatment.
While the province stated that various health professionals, including pharmacists, could approve applications within two weeks, Marie struggled for four months, visiting multiple pharmacies, emergency departments, and clinics, spending up to $800 monthly out of pocket to cover insulin and devices.
After visiting three pharmacies, Marie eventually found a health professional who assisted in the application for the glucose monitoring sensor program. An emergency room doctor then referred Marie to the diabetes center at a hospital in Lunenburg.
However, the process remained arduous, with Marie encountering delays and confusion in accessing the necessary support. Despite eventually getting approval for six months of coverage, Marie highlighted the ongoing challenges faced in navigating the system.
Nova Scotia offers two programs to aid in covering insulin pumps and glucose monitoring sensors, each requiring separate applications. Unlike British Columbia, where such devices are included in the provincial pharmacare program, Nova Scotia does not provide automatic coverage for these essential tools.
According to Diabetes Canada, the cost remains a significant barrier to accessing pumps and sensors, although these devices are considered essential for improving the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals managing diabetes.
While a national pharmacare plan was proposed to cover diabetes medication last year, its implementation is pending. Diabetes Canada’s Laura O’Driscoll emphasized the potential benefits of such a plan in expanding access to crucial devices like pumps and sensors.
Marie, advocating for a national plan, suggested improvements to Nova Scotia’s existing programs, emphasizing the need for a more streamlined and accessible process for individuals in need of essential diabetes care.
Despite the Department of Health and Wellness declining an interview request, a spokesperson highlighted that most applications for insulin pumps and glucose monitoring programs are typically approved within two weeks. The province also clarified that eligibility requirements are waived for individuals already using a pump.
With 35 diabetes centers spread across the province, specialists are available to assist with applications, and appointments can be self-referred. The statement encouraged those facing challenges to reach out to the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia for support.
Marie’s experience underscored the complexities and challenges in accessing essential diabetes care in Nova Scotia compared to other provinces, emphasizing the need for a more accessible and efficient system to support individuals in managing their condition effectively.