B.C. first province to cover Dexcom G6 monitor for diabetics
Posted June 11, 2021 2:49 pm.
Last Updated June 11, 2021 2:53 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Many British Columbians with diabetes can now get full coverage for a certain type of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) through BC PharmaCare.
The province is also the first in Canada to completely cover the Dexcom G6 for people aged two years old and up with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, (T1D and T2D) who meet certain criteria.
The Dexcom G6 is a small device that adheres to a person’s body and automatically tracks blood glucose levels continuously, while providing data to an app on the user’s smart devices or a display. The sensor is replaced every 10 days, while the transmitter can be used for up to 90.
“As someone who lives with T1D and is also married to a fellow T1D, I know the toll this takes over time on an individual and their loved ones,” Ramya Hosak, founder of Young and Type 1 said in a government release. “I also know the priceless relief a CGM system can bring to a family, such as knowing you will be alerted to you or your loved one’s dangerously low or high blood sugar during the night while sleeping.”
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The province estimates nearly 20,000 British Columbians could benefit from the devices over the next three years.
“Thousands of British Columbians will benefit from coverage of continuous glucose monitors, which will allow patients to stay on top of their glucose levels with an easy, convenient system and will help patients and their health-care providers make better treatment decisions,” Minister of Health Adrian Dix said in the release.
Those eligible include people enrolled in Fair PharmaCare and those with coverage through income assistance, children in the At Home program, and First Nations health benefits.
The province says it negotiated a discount on the devices with Dexcom.
Yukon, Saskatchewan, and Quebec also offer coverage of other CGM systems under provincial health plans, while Prince Edward Island and Manitoba plan to do offer funding.
