Today, New Brunswick Finance Minister Ernie L. Steeves tabled the provincial budget, which included an expansion of coverage for insulin pumps and included coverage for continuous glucose monitors for people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
“Diabetes Canada welcomes the New Brunswick Government’s announcement of a $2.1 million investment in supports and resources for people living with diabetes in the province. Insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors are life-changing for many people with diabetes, and this decision will have a significant impact on the lives of eligible New Brunswickers managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes,” says Maria Campbell, Director of Government Relations for Diabetes Canada.
This expanded coverage comes at a critical time, when New Brunswickers living with diabetes are bearing a significant financial burden. In New Brunswick individuals with type 1 diabetes can pay out-of-pocket as much as $18,306 annually and those managing type 2 diabetes pay as much as $10,014. These costs can adversely affect the ability of some to manage their disease, impacting their quality of life and risking their short- and long-term health.
Diabetes Canada estimates that in 2023 diabetes and its complications will cost the New Brunswick healthcare system $112 million with 80% of this cost attributed to treating diabetes-related complications in acute care settings.
Diabetes Canada will continue to work closely with the government and other stakeholders toward advancing a Diabetes Framework in New Brunswick.