The N.S. government announces funding to help those living with diabetes
Posted Feb 28, 2024 11:23:23 AM.
Last Updated Feb 28, 2024 11:24:16 AM.
The provincial government has announced funding to help the more than 100,000 Nova Scotians living with diabetes better cope with the chronic disease.
The Nova Scotia government will fund sensor-based glucose monitoring supplies through a new income-based program and existing pharmacare programs so diabetics can better manage their care.
According to Premier Tim Houston, those programs will be open to those living with both type 1 and 2 diabetes who meet criteria including the need for daily injections of insulin.
Households with incomes under 60-thousand dollars will pay no deductible under the changes.
“We have earmarked in the budget $7.2 million to support those living with diabetes,” says Houston at a press conference. “This is a significant investment and it is the right thing to do.”
He adds that nearly $6 million of that investment will be put towards those sensor-based glucose monitoring supplies.
The province is also removing the age cap of the existing insulin pump program, which was capped at the age of 26.
According to the province’s figures, more than 106,000 Nova Scotians live with diabetes and between five and 10 per cent have Type 1 diabetes.