National

B.C. government limits coverage of blood glucose test strips for diabetics

Darpan News Desk, The Canadian Press, 08 Dec, 2014 10:12 AM

VICTORIA — B.C. is imposing yearly limits on tools used by diabetics to test their blood sugar levels.

The Health Ministry says PharmaCare coverage of blood glucose test strips will be restricted on Jan. 1, following a similar change in Ontario in 2013.

The ministry says the change comes after research showing that people who have Type 2 diabetes and don't use insulin can safely test their blood-sugar levels less often.

In the new year, PharmaCare will cover 200 to 400 strips a year for those patients, and up to 3,000 strips annually for patients on insulin.

The government expects it will save up to $4 million a year by regulating the test strips, starting with about $1 million in savings this fiscal year.

Health Minister Terry Lake says the money will be used to support an insulin pump program for young adults.

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