Medicating diabetes and managing related supplies can present significant financial challenges. For individuals struggling to afford necessary treatments, various programs and resources are available. This guide focuses on the Libre Compassionate Care Program, offering a detailed look at how this program can assist eligible patients in accessing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology. We will also explore other medication coverage and financial support options to ensure comprehensive access to diabetes care.
Navigating Medication Coverage for Diabetes
Securing adequate medication coverage is a crucial step in managing diabetes effectively. Several avenues exist to help patients afford their prescriptions and diabetes supplies.
Emergency Prescription Assistance
For immediate, short-term medication needs, Emergency Prescription Coverage can provide crucial support. This program offers temporary coverage, typically for a calendar month, to bridge gaps in access. Patients can call 1-866-644-5135 to inquire about eligibility and coverage. Be prepared to answer questions about your situation, as outlined in this handout: Emergency Prescription Coverage. Translation services are available to ensure clear communication.
Private Insurance Options: Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Benefits
Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Benefits offers private insurance plans to help cover medication and other health expenses. This can be a valuable option for individuals seeking more comprehensive coverage. Detailed information can be found on this page. To check if your specific medications are covered, you can consult the Alberta Blue Cross Formulary of Covered Medications: Interactive Drug Benefit List. For specific medications like GLP-1, DPP-4, or SGLT, a Special Authorization form may be required, available here. All other necessary forms can be accessed on the Blue Cross Forms page.
The application form for Non-group coverage is available here: Blue Cross Non-group coverage Application. Premiums are approximately $63.50 per month for single adults and $118.00 per month for families. Premium subsidies are available for lower-income individuals and families meeting specific income thresholds. The Application for Premium Subsidy is here.
Government-Sponsored Drug Programs in Alberta
The Alberta government provides various drug programs to support residents. Information on non-group, seniors, and palliative coverage programs can be found at this link.
Compassionate Care Programs from Pharmaceutical Companies
Many pharmaceutical companies offer compassionate supply programs, providing medications on a case-by-case basis to patients facing financial hardship. While not universally available, it’s worth inquiring with the specific drug manufacturer. Family doctors can often call the company’s 1-800 number to explore compassionate care options.
Reducing Pharmacy Costs: Dispensing Fees
Dispensing fees can contribute to medication costs. Patients can explore pharmacies with lower dispensing fees, such as Walmart and Costco, to potentially reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.
Innovicares Discount Card
The innoviCares program provides a discount card for brand-name medications. This card, available at Free Drug Payment Card | innoviCares, offers savings that can be combined with other coverage. Medication coverage varies by province and changes over time, so it’s essential to check the website for current details. As of November 2024, covered medications in Alberta included Forxiga, GE200 test strips, Glumetza, Onglyza, and Xigduo.
Novo Nordisk Care™ Financial Assistance
Novo Nordisk Care™ offers financial assistance for specific products, which may change over time. Currently (November 2024), NovoRapid® (10 mL vial) and Tresiba® FlexTouch are eligible for assistance in Alberta. To apply, patients need a NovoNordisk Client ID number, obtainable from a NovoNordisk Diabetes Care Program card (physical or virtual, contact Krista Cockx or Farouk Negm for virtual cards).
Uninsured clients can check eligibility for NovoRapid and/or Tresiba through the Novo Nordisk Diabetes Care Program online at https://novonordiskcare.ca/en/financial-assistance/ or by phone at 1-833-595-1899. Eligibility is based on household income, dependents, province, and insurance status.
Novo Nordisk also provides Awiqli sample cards (STI cards) allowing patients to receive a free sample. These are available in limited supply. For newcomers to Canada, the Novo Nordisk Response Program (Novo Nordisk Response Program) offers support.
Viatris: Semglee and Kirsty – Co-pay Assistance and Compassionate Care
Viatris offers a program covering 25% of insulin costs, regardless of other insurance coverage. This can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Patients can use this 25% off copay certificate at the pharmacy. Viatris also has a compassionate care program; contact Biocon at 368-886-0193 for inquiries.
Accessing Affordable Diabetes Supplies
Beyond medication, the cost of diabetes supplies, such as test strips and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), can be a barrier to effective diabetes management.
Alberta Blue Cross Coverage for Diabetes Supplies
Alberta Blue Cross Private insurance may cover glucose test strips and sensors. Patients should check with their pharmacist and inquire if sensors are covered under categories like “blood glucose meter” or “medical device.”
Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group coverage includes CGM for Alberta residents on basal-bolus insulin therapy. Detailed coverage information is available in the Continuous glucose monitor coverage for Albertans Fact Sheet and the Coverage Maximums for Diabetes Supplies Fact Sheet. Eligibility requires Alberta residency, a diabetes diagnosis, and basal-bolus insulin therapy (including pumps or pre-mixed insulin). Dexcom and Libre CGMs are covered, while Medtronic CGM requires special authorization (Form here). A prescription is necessary for CGM coverage.
Alberta Blue Cross Seniors program (Alberta Blue Cross Seniors) provides seniors with diabetes supply coverage up to $2,400 annually, depending on diabetes management methods, purchased from licensed pharmacies.
Compassionate Programs for Meters and Strips
Ascensia (Contour meters) Compassionate Program offers 25 test strips to qualifying patients. Call 1-800-268-7200 to check eligibility.
Dexcom G7 Patient Benefit Program provides a 20% cost reduction on Dexcom G7. Patients can obtain coupons at Dexcom Canada or use [this coupon: DEXCOM_G7_TearSheet_v1r6_ROC].
GE200 meter strips are more affordable, with further reductions available through the Innovicares Card (GE200 Glucose Test Strips | innoviCares).
Insulin Pump Therapy Program (IPTP)
Alberta’s Insulin Pump Therapy Program (IPTP) (Insulin Pump Therapy Program (IPTP)) provides participants with up to 700 test strips per 100 days, along with infusion sets or pods.
Exploring Lower Cost Strips
Pharmacies often carry various brands of test strips. Patients can inquire about less expensive brands to manage costs.
Libre Compassionate Care Program: Detailed Overview
The Libre Compassionate Care Program is designed to provide access to Abbott FreeStyle Libre CGM systems for eligible individuals facing financial constraints. This program is particularly beneficial for those who require continuous glucose monitoring but struggle with affordability.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Income-Based: The program is available to individuals with an annual income of less than $50,000 per year.
- Insulin Requirement: Applicants must be using insulin to manage their diabetes.
- Lack of CGM Coverage: Preference is given to those without private insurance coverage for CGM or whose private insurance has denied coverage.
Application Process:
- Patient Form: The patient needs to complete the Libre compassionate program application. This form requires income verification, typically through a Notice of Assessment, and a copy of the private insurance denial letter if applicable.
- Prescriber Form: A physician or nurse practitioner must complete the prescriber section of the form and fax it in.
NIHB Coverage for First Nations and Inuit Peoples
For First Nations and Inuit individuals, the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program covers Libre and Dexcom sensors. Coverage extends to all First Nations and Inuit people with type 1 diabetes of any age, and those aged 2-19 with any type of insulin-dependent diabetes. See this link for more details.
NIHB Coverage Steps:
- Prescription: Obtain a prescription for the CGM sensor.
- Pharmacy Submission: Send the prescription to your pharmacy.
- NIHB Exception Line: The pharmacy will contact the NIHB Exception Line at 1-800-580-0950.
- Information Provision: The pharmacist will provide the patient’s NIHB number, DIN numbers (Dexcom 3-pack sensors: 97799136, Dexcom Transmitter: 97799135, Libre2 Sensor: 97799075), Prescriber License number, and Pharmacy number.
- NIHB Verification: NIHB will verify insulin dependence.
Roche: Free Meter Program
Roche offers a program to obtain a free Accu-Chek Guide meter with 10 test strips. Details are available at Get your FREE** Accu-Chek Guide Meter NOW! | Accu-Chek®.
Accu-Chek Guide Meter
Additional Financial Supports and Options
Managing diabetes-related costs often requires exploring broader financial support systems.
Psychosocial Services and Community Organizations
Patients are encouraged to consult psychosocial services within their Primary Care Network (PCN) or diabetes center to review additional financial assistance options. Organizations like Lions/Lioness Clubs, Royal Purple, Legions, and local businesses or churches may also offer community goodwill funding.
AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped)
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) provides financial and health benefits to Albertans with permanent medical conditions that prevent them from earning a living. Financial benefits are detailed here, and application information is available in this guide.
Alberta 211
Alberta 211 (https://www.ab.211.ca/) is a valuable resource for finding community services and financial supports, including tax preparation assistance.
Alberta Adult Health Benefit
The Alberta Adult Health Benefit covers medications, diabetes supplies (excluding CGMs), and ambulance services. It can be combined with the Libre Compassionate Program for CGM access. Eligibility guidelines are in Table 1 below, and the application form is here. Completed applications can be mailed, faxed, or emailed.
Alberta Supports
Alberta Supports (https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-supports.aspx, phone: 1-877-644-9992, TTY: 1-800-232-7215) helps connect Albertans with over 120 programs for seniors, people with disabilities, job seekers, families, and those needing financial assistance or abuse prevention.
Alberta Works Income Support
Alberta Works Income Support assists low-income Albertans with basic living expenses like food, clothing, and shelter, as per Table 1 below. Benefit summaries are here, and applications can be made at this website or by calling 1-877-644-9992.
Diabetes Canada: National Support Programs
Diabetes Canada (Diabetes Canada: Supports and Services for People with Diabetes) lists support programs across Canada, categorized by province. Note that this resource was last updated in 2018.
Disability Tax Credit
Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes may qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Form T2201 (Form T2201) needs to be completed by the patient and a physician.
Employment Insurance (EI)
Employment Insurance (EI) (Employment Insurance (EI)) provides various benefits to eligible individuals with sufficient insurable hours (630 in Calgary). Benefits include regular, sickness, maternity/parental, and caregiver benefits. Apply online at this site.
Food Resources
For assistance finding low or no-cost food, refer to this link.
Navigation and Support Centre (Calgary)
Calgary’s Navigation and Support Centre (this resource ) offers one-stop access to services for vulnerable and unhoused individuals, including income support, AISH, Service Alberta, and connections to various community organizations. Located at the East Annex of Salvation Army (420-9 Ave SE).
Research Trials
Participating in research trials (https://www.ucalgary.ca/diabetes-clinical-trials) can provide access to medications and diabetes supplies.
Resources for Diabetes in Pregnancy
Best Beginning Program
The Best Beginning Program offers free support services for pregnant women facing various challenges (low income, language barriers, etc.). Services include support from nurses, dietitians, social workers, health education, and resources. Referral form: referral form is here.
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)
Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) supports immigrant and refugee women and their families with settlement, language training, counselling, and other needs. Referrals can be made by calling 403-444-1758 or emailing ..
Made by Momma
Made by Momma provides support to families in crisis with meals, baby essentials, and in-home visits. Self-referral or social work referral is possible. The referral form is here.
Mental Health Resources
Comprehensive Counselling Resources
A comprehensive list of counselling resources is available in this handout.
Recovery Alberta (Mental Health and Addiction Services)
Access Mental Health
Access Mental Health (403-943-1500) provides telephone-based screening, consultation, and referrals for mental health services in Alberta Health Services and community programs.
Crisis Helplines
- Canada’s Suicide Crisis Hotline: 1-833-456-4566
- MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE: 1-877-303-2642 (Translation services available)
- Calgary Distress Line: 403-266-4357 (403-266-HELP) (24/7 crisis counseling and referrals)
- Mobile Response Team: Contact Calgary Distress Line at 403-266-4357 for urgent mental health support.
Brief Crisis Counselling & Longer Term Counselling
Mental Health Resources
Table 1: Income thresholds for Alberta Adult Health Benefit / Alberta Works Income Support
| Family | Maximum income |
|---|---|
| Single adult | $16,580 |
| 1 adult + 1 child | $26,023 |
| 1 adult + 2 children | $31,010 |
| 1 adult + 3 children | $36,325 |
| 1 adult + 4 children* | $41,957 |
| Couple, no children | $23,212 |
| Couple + 1 child | $31,237 |
| Couple + 2 children | $36,634 |
| Couple + 3 children | $41,594 |
| Couple + 4 children* | $46,932 |
* For each additional child, add $4,973. Applications often require a Notice of Assessment and medication list.
