On August 1, 2023, the B.C. government announced the addition of the FreeStyle Libre 2 as a limited coverage benefit to B.C. PharmaCare. People living in British Columbia who are enrolled in Fair PharmaCare and meet the special authority criteria may be approved for coverage. The Dexcom G6 has been a limited coverage benefit since 2021.
“People living in British Columbia can now access a Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitor (rtCGM) or an Intermittently-Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitor (isCGM) depending on their individual needs or preferences. Diabetes is a complex chronic condition that cannot be managed with a one-size-fits-all approach. By expanding access to innovative technologies, individuals can better manage their blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes complications,” says Joan King, Director of Government Relations with Diabetes Canada.
The level of public coverage for diabetes medications, devices and supplies varies significantly across provinces, presenting real barriers to effective diabetes management. Diabetes Canada’s Out of Pocket Costs Report shows that some people living in British Columbia can pay over $6,000 a year in costs related to diabetes management. This expanded access to CGMs should help ease the financial burden for many individuals and families. B.C. Fair PharmaCare helps with the costs of some medications, devices and supplies once an income-based deductible has been met.
Evidence shows isCGM and rtCGM technology is transformative for many people living with diabetes. Diabetes Canada believes that access should be extended to all people living in Canada for whom these systems have been shown to provide positive benefit to their diabetes management. These devices give people living with diabetes a more complete picture of their blood sugar management than the moment-in-time snapshot that comes from intermittent finger-prick testing and can lead to better short- and long-term treatment decisions and health outcomes.
Diabetes Canada will continue to work with the B.C. government to implement a comprehensive diabetes strategy that aligns with the Framework for Diabetes in Canada. This effort will work towards reversing the grim trajectory of rising diabetes prevalence and costs while improving diabetes prevention, screening, treatment, and health outcomes.
For more information about the government’s announcement, please visit their website.