Type 1 Diabetic Faces Coverage Struggles in Nova Scotia

A Type 1 diabetic, Beck Marie, has faced significant challenges in securing financial coverage for essential diabetes supplies upon relocating to Nova Scotia from British Columbia. After moving to Bridgewater, N.S., earlier this year, Marie reported spending hundreds of dollars out of pocket while navigating the complex application process for provincial programs that assist with insulin and medical devices.

Marie, 28, previously received coverage for an insulin pump and glucose monitoring sensors in British Columbia. However, the transition to Nova Scotia has been fraught with hurdles. Without a primary care provider, Marie found that obtaining coverage for necessary medical devices required approval from specific healthcare specialists within the province. “I have all my records from B.C. and Ontario that show that I’ve been on this exact insulin pump for 10 years. Like it’s not rocket science. I’m diabetic. It’s not going to go away,” Marie stated.

Accessing a specialist proved to be a significant obstacle. Marie learned that the wait time to see an endocrinologist—a doctor specializing in diabetes treatment—was an alarming 18 months. During this time, Marie resorted to visiting pharmacies, emergency departments, and clinics, incurring costs of up to $800 a month for insulin and devices. “It was just a lot of me calling around, walking into places, driving to the pharmacy after work, seeing who’s available, waiting for an appointment, getting sent back and forth,” Marie explained.

Challenges in Nova Scotia’s Diabetes Programs

Nova Scotia offers two separate programs designed to assist with the costs associated with insulin pumps and glucose monitoring sensors. Unlike British Columbia, where insulin and devices are covered under a provincially run pharmacare program, Nova Scotia’s facilities require multiple applications. According to Diabetes Canada, cost remains a primary barrier to accessing these essential devices, which have become the standard of care and significantly enhance the quality of life for users.

“[People] have better outcomes related to diabetes. They’re less likely to end up in hospital. They have longer life expectancy,” noted Laura O’Driscoll, senior manager of policy with Diabetes Canada. Earlier in 2023, the federal government announced a plan for universal pharmacare, which would include diabetes medications, yet this initiative has yet to materialize.

Marie expressed frustration with the current state of health programs in Nova Scotia, advocating for improvements. Despite the launch of these programs last year, Marie believes they could be more user-friendly. The Department of Health and Wellness, in response to inquiries, stated that the province’s diabetes programs were specifically designed to assist Nova Scotians without a primary care provider in accessing necessary support.

Striving for Access and Support

Marie’s experience highlights systemic difficulties in accessing diabetes care. After several attempts to contact the provincial program, they experienced challenges reaching a representative. Upon finally visiting a diabetes center at the hospital in Lunenburg, Marie learned that only one health professional was available and lacked the authority to sign their application.

Managing diabetes is already a demanding task, and Marie emphasized that accessing support should not add to the burden. “All of these barriers to getting on the program for devices that I need to live, it’s just exhausting,” Marie said. The situation is a reminder of the pressing need for health services to accommodate patients more effectively, ensuring that those living with diabetes can obtain the care and support they require without undue stress.