Alberta government changes course, will continue coverage for insulin pumps

Health Minister Jason Copping announced on Thursday that the Alberta government will not discontinue healthcare coverage for insulin pumps.

Copping said the government is scrapping proposed changes to insulin pump benefits, which would eliminate provincial insurance for a convenient and unobtrusive method of administering life-saving drugs.

There will be no changes to the current Insulin Pump Therapy Program, and Albertans will now have access to newer pump models, according to a statement Thursday.

Copping said the decision was made after consulting with advocates, diabetes organizations and insulin pump users.

It also comes after the Alberta government faced criticism after announcing the changes earlier this year. Individuals and organizations raised concerns about increased costs and lack of detailed information surrounding the changes.

“I realized that we weren’t approaching this issue in the best possible way, and then I stopped this change,” Copping said at a press conference Thursday.

“I heard your message loud and clear, which is why I have decided to rescind the proposed changes to insulin pump benefits.”

Copping also announced that he would be forming a diabetes working group to identify gaps in care and develop a sustainable system for Albertans.

The team will review the entire province’s diabetes care roadmap including diagnosis, treatment, and the role of primary care physicians. Copping said the recommendations would be shared with the Health Secretary before next fall.

The working group will include representatives from diabetes organisations, medical professionals, researchers and health insurers.

“To be clear, the goal of the working group is not to find ways to save money. It is about providing better care, improving better health outcomes and ensuring a sustainable system in the long term,” Copping said.

Details of the working group will come in September.