Province hits the brakes on insulin-pump changes

Cutting funds would make devices unaffordable for many, users say

The Alberta government is pausing planned changes to the province's insulin pump coverage after public outcry from many Albertans with diabetes.

The government announced last week that Alberta's Insulin Pump Therapy Program (IPTP) would be discontinued as of Aug. 1.

The change would have meant that the 4,000 Albertans currently using it to access the devices that deliver life-saving insulin throughout the day would need to find a government-sponsored health benefit plan like Blue Cross unless they have insurance through their employer or a private plan.

But Health Minister Jason Copping told reporters Thursday that the government is putting those plans on hold.

“We are not moving ahead on Aug. 1. And we're not going to move ahead until I am absolutely comfortable that we're not going to leave anyone else behind on the program,” he said.

Copping has previously said that the change would save the government $9 million, and it was intended as a measure to “make sure that we can cover the cost for the greatest number of people.”

The reversal comes after some Albertans with Type 1 diabetes raised alarms that they could get stuck with big bills each month to maintain their insulin pump.

One woman who helped create a Facebook group for users who are concerned said most workplace health benefits often don't cover insulin pumps because the government program was available.

Diabetes Canada also sent a letter to Copping earlier this week, saying they are “extremely concerned about the negative impact this decision will have” and the additional costs Albertans will be “forced” to shoulder.

The national advocacy organization requested a meeting with Copping to discuss what they called an “urgent” issue.

“We have heard from Albertans who will be unable to pay the premium and co-pay imposed by the new policy. This will leave them with no other choice but to resume multiple daily injections of insulin and effectively compromise their ability to manage their diabetes,” Diabetes Canada senior vice president Russell Williams wrote.

Copping said he spoke with representatives from Diabetes Canada earlier on Thursday.

“I apologize to them — there was a lack of understanding in terms of the program. We had done some consultation, but it wasn't crystal clear,” he said.

The minister added that he invited the organization to be part of further consultation that the government will do.

In a statement Thursday, Diabetes Canada's Alberta director of government relations, Joan King, said the group is pleased with the province's response to their concerns.

“Diabetes Canada commends the many Albertans living with Type 1 diabetes who spoke up and voiced their concerns about the impact this would have on their personal health,” she said.

Alberta NDP health critic David Shepherd said he's happy to see Copping “came to his senses.”

“It's unfortunate that they stumbled forward on this and tried to put through a plan that could have been so detrimental to thousands of Albertans. But I'm glad to see they are taking a step back.”

Shepherd said he'll be looking for details “up front” for any future changes to IPTP, as well as more information on how further consultation will go ahead.