Senior not able to qualify for full coverage of life-changing diabetes device

A southern Alberta senior is facing barriers when it comes to tackling her diabetes. Her caregiver daughter talked to Bridge City News about the importance of the flash glucose monitoring system. As Video Journalist Micah Quinn explains, she says her mother wasn’t able to qualify for full coverage for the life-changing technology. She also told us she is putting out a call to the Alberta government about doing more to help our seniors.

UPDATE: Scott Johnston, the press secretary for the Alberta Minister of Health, Jason Copping, sent us a statement.

“The government continues to monitor innovations in diabetes management technologies. The Diabetes Working Group is conducting a comprehensive review of the entire diabetes care pathway, including the use of flash and continuous glucose monitors.  The working group’s recommendations, which will be provided to the Minister of Health this fall, will help to shape a long-term strategy for diabetes care in Alberta.

“Right now, flash glucose monitors are not covered under the government sponsored drug plans available through Alberta Blue Cross.

“The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan provides people with diabetes with additional coverage for diabetes supplies purchased from a licensed pharmacy, up to a maximum of $2,400 per eligible individual, per year, depending on the method of diabetes management. Eligible diabetes supplies include test strips, needles, syringes and lancets.

“Additionally, the Special Needs Assistance for Seniors program covers the cost of diabetes supplies including test strips, lancets, needles, antiseptic swabs, and ‘sharps’ containers. The program also provides support for copayments for prescription medications, which would include diabetes medications.”