Diabetes Care Community Learn, connect and care
Depending on where you live in Canada, diabetes medications, devices and supplies may or may not receive government coverage. This can result in real hardship in jurisdictions where costs have to be borne directly by individuals with diabetes.
The numbers tell the stark reality: Diabetes Canada reports that 57% of Canadians with diabetes don’t comply with their prescribed therapy, due to cost. This potentially leads to increased risk of life-threatening complications, ultimately increasing healthcare costs for society.
Who is affected?
Are supply costs an issue for the person you support? Lack of access to government coverage or private insurance can be very difficult for many Canadians, including seniors on fixed incomes and low-income individuals who don’t receive social assistance. There are also many other people who have high drug costs but don’t qualify for any form of assistance.
To check how much coverage is offered in your jurisdiction, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s site. You will find links to information provided by all the provinces and territories, together with links related to federal government tax credits for people with diabetes.
The cost of supplies required to follow prescribed therapies can amount to thousands of dollars annually.
Out-of-pocket costs related to diabetes can include payments for:
- Diabetes medications, including insulin
- Medications related to diabetes complications, such as high blood pressure
- Diagnostic tests
- Specialized home-care visits and/or rehabilitation or residential care if disabling complications occur
Learn more
Some people living with diabetes in Canada in Canada are able to apply for disability tax credit. Learn more here.
Do you have challenges related to the cost of diabetic supplies? Please share your experiences with community members in our Forums.
