“Alberta’s government recognizes that Albertans living with diabetes want access to the most innovative equipment available. Having access to the most recent technology will better support them and help them to more effectively manage their condition.”
As part of the government’s three-phase plan to improve diabetes care, insulin pump benefits will be transferred from the Insulin Pump Therapy Program to government-sponsored health benefit plans Aug. 1. At that time, the Insulin Pump Therapy Program will be discontinued. All equipment, supplies and services currently provided through the program will be offered through government-sponsored health benefit plans instead.
As part of this transition, the government will provide access to newer, more advanced models of insulin pumps.
Those currently receiving benefits through the Insulin Pump Therapy Program will need to obtain coverage through a government-sponsored health benefit plan by Aug. 1 if they do not have employer-sponsored or private insurance coverage. Depending on the health benefit plan, a co-payment or monthly premium and co-payment may be required. Low-income Albertans will continue to receive these benefits at no cost.
This change is part of the government’s three-phase plan to provide enhanced care and improved access to technology to Albertans living with diabetes:
- Phase 1 of the government’s plan, implemented in August 2021, provides expanded coverage for diabetes test strips and other diabetes supplies.
- Phase 2 of the plan, which came into effect in February, provides young Albertans with access to continuous glucose monitors.
- The third and final phase involves providing access to newer, more technologically advanced insulin pumps.
Quick facts
- About 4,000 Albertans are currently receiving insulin pumps, equipment and supplies – at no cost – through the Insulin Pump Therapy Program.
- The cost of the program has increased from about $9.5 million in 2015 to more than $20 million in 2020-2021.
- About 386,000 Albertans are living with diabetes and that number is expected to increase to more than 550,000 by 2031.