Diabetes agency seeks funds for seniors

Advocates asking province to help patients with soaring medical costs

Many Alberta seniors with diabetes are struggling with high medical costs for test strips, syringes and insulin, with some having to pay nearly $3,000 for out-of-pocket costs annually.

But the Canadian Diabetes Association is vowing to push for meetings with the province to try to increase financial help for seniors, particularly those on low, fixed incomes.

“This is a serious issue, and we are hearing about it more and more,” said Serge Corbeil, director of government relations and advocacy for B.C. and Alberta at the Canadian Diabetes Association.

“Out-of-pocket costs now are estimated at about $2,900 annually. And in terms of diabetes being on the rise, we are facing a crisis.”

Corbeil says that while Alberta provides $600 annually to seniors with diabetes, that stays as the maximum no matter what your income. But he says other provinces such as B.C., are offering more support financially, and aid based on need.

As well, provinces such as B.C. provide test strips for free, while in Alberta, some patients may pay as much as $1,500 a year.

Marilyn Wilson, whose 73-yearold husband has lived with diabetes for years, says they are struggling more than ever lately to pay for the high cost of living and their medicine.

“We try to stay on top of our bills. But these days it seems we’re really just living on wieners and baloney.”

The Wilsons, who own a home in Radisson Heights, estimate they pay about $2,300 for medication, insulin, syringes and test strips combined each year.

But by only qualifying for $600 through the Alberta Seniors Benefit, they are left having to pay as much as $1,700 annually out of their own pockets.

Wilson argues the $600 benefit should be income-tested, and raised for seniors with lower incomes.

“Isn’t it about time that people who made a lot of money pay more into health care and help people with lower incomes? Isn’t that what government is for?

“I don’t know if we can afford to live on our own income right now.”

Helma Dahlman, a Forest Lawn community activist and advocate for seniors across the city, says stories like the Wilsons’ are becoming more common as the cost of living, from property taxes to grocery bills, continues to skyrocket.

“It’s very tough for seniors right now. These are people who have paid all of their lives into Alberta health care. You would think they deserve to get some of it back. But they’re just getting the short end of the stick.”

Timothy Wilson, press secretary for the provincial minister of health, explained that while $600 may not be enough for many seniors with diabetes, there are other subsidy programs seniors can qualify for.

“We completely understand that being on a fixed income and trying to manage a chronic disease can be difficult.

“We can provide up to $600 a year in benefits, but it is not income-tested.

“So for seniors who are still having difficulties there are specialneeds assistance and benefits for seniors,” said Wilson, suggesting there are also federal government supports some seniors can qualify for.

But Corbeil argues most of those additional benefits are only provided to seniors facing extreme poverty, leaving those on fixed, low-incomes out in the cold.

And instead of paying for pain medication, or regular muchneeded insulin, those seniors are instead paying for food or to keep a roof over their head.

“When you can’t pay for your insulin, you end up facing other serious health risks, like stroke or heart attack, blindness, even amputations of the lower limbs.”

Corbeil said that because people with diabetes, seniors in particular, often lose full sensation in their feet and lower limbs, cuts and sores may go unnoticed and may lead to serious infections and, ultimately, amputations.

“Ensuring that diabetics have the support they need is paramount.”

Corbeil has been meeting with provincial officials over the past few months and hopes to continue meetings over the next several weeks to try to convince the new NDP government to provide more financial assistance.

Wilson said the province remains open to reviewing programs for seniors with diabetes.

“We’re always looking to see if programs are meeting our objectives and supporting everyone.”

According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadians are more at risk for diabetes than ever, particularly because of increased aging populations and higher-than-average rates of obesity.

It is estimated that more than 11 million Canadians are living with diabetes — 303,000 of them are in Alberta.