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.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Agriculture minister expects U.S. appeal in upcoming ruling on meat labelling

CALGARY - Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says the next ruling in a long, drawn-out dispute over meat-labelling requirements in the United States is only a couple of weeks away.

Agriculture minister expects U.S. appeal in upcoming ruling on meat labelling

Canadian Tire puts digital tech, store upgrades high on its 3-yr plan

TORONTO - Canadian Tire Corp. (TSX:CTC.A) plans to invest an average of $575 million annually over the next three years on business improvements, with money going to new digital technology as well as expansions and upgrades to its store network.

Canadian Tire puts digital tech, store upgrades high on its 3-yr plan

Pot should be legalized, regulated and sold like alcohol, says addiction centre

TORONTO - Canada's largest mental health and addiction treatment and research centre is calling for the legalization of marijuana, with strict controls that would govern who could buy weed, from where, and in what quantity.

Pot should be legalized, regulated and sold like alcohol, says addiction centre

National Farmers Union to speak against omnibus agriculture bill in Ottawa

SASKATOON - The National Farmers Union says a new omnibus agricultural bill should be broken up into manageable parts.

National Farmers Union to speak against omnibus agriculture bill in Ottawa

Cop Who Watched Women have Sex in BC Jail Found Not Guilty of Breach of Trust

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - A senior Mountie accused of watching two female inmates have sex in a jail cell in Kamloops, B.C., has been found not guilty of breach of trust by a public officer.