Apply for funding for an insulin pump and supplies: Insulin Pump Program

Apply for the Insulin Pump Program to help with the costs of an insulin pump and supplies. You need to have Type 1 diabetes to apply.

The Insulin Pump Program helps pay for an insulin pump and supplies. Types of insulin pumps covered include Tandem, Medtronic and Insulet (Omnipod).

Copayment

The program is income based and has an annual copayment amount based on family size. The copayment is the amount you may need to pay. There are no premiums or deductibles.

You can contact the Insulin Pump Program to get an estimate of your copayment amount.

You need to use any sources of insurance that you have (like private insurance) before the program can begin coverage. This includes insurance plans that require you to submit receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement. Any amounts that are not paid by insurance and copayment are covered by the Insulin Pump Program.

What’s covered

The program covers:

1 insulin pump every 5 years - types of insulin pumps covered include Tandem, Medtronic and Insulet (Omnipod)
insulin pump supplies (like insertion sets, cartridges and reservoirs, tape and skin preparation)

If you buy an insulin pump through the program, it comes with a 5-year warranty.

If your medical situation changes and you’re no longer eligible for an insulin pump, your coverage will stop.

What’s not covered

Diabetes medications (like insulin) and oral medications and supplies (like blood glucose meters, test strips and continuous glucose monitoring systems) are not covered through the Insulin Pump Program.

You have several options for additional coverage. Options include the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program and Family Pharmacare Program.

Changes to personal information

You need to notify the program if there are any changes to your personal information (like change of address, your income changes or change to your household members).

Help with your application

The Insulin Pump Program can answer questions about the application process, program eligibility and coverage.

Eligibility

You can apply for funding if you:

are a resident of Nova Scotia
have a Health Card (the card can’t be expired)
have Type 1 diabetes
meet specific clinical eligibility criteria

Clinical eligibility criteria

You need to meet all of the following clinical eligibility criteria:

you were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at least 4 months ago
you’re at least 1 A1C value after diagnosis in the last 12 months
you’ve had no more than 1 episode of diabetic ketoacidosis/hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in the last 12 months, excluding diagnosis
you were assessed by a diabetes team (with insulin pump knowledge) at least once in the last 12 months
you self-monitor glucose 4 or more times per day or uses continuous glucose monitoring with at least 70% active time
you understand how to safely manage an insulin pump
you completed the Insulin Pump Therapy Participant Responsibility Agreement – Initial Enrollment Only

How to apply

Review detailed clinical eligibility criteria.
Contact the Insulin Pump Program to confirm your eligibility (the program also connects you with an approved Diabetes Health Centre that can complete and submit a Clinical Eligibility Form for you).
Complete the funding application.
Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
Send your completed application and supporting documents by mail.

How long it takes

It should take 1 to 2 weeks to find out if you’re approved for funding. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.

Cost

There is no cost to apply for the funding, but there is an annual copayment associated with participating in the program.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

Health Card number
most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment for you and any other adults in your family

Insulin pumps are not for everyone. If you’re thinking about applying for the program:

read and complete the Are You Ready to Use an Insulin Pump Checklist
read the Is an Insulin Pump for Me Factsheet
talk to your Diabetes Health Centre team about whether an insulin pump could work for you

Application form

Insulin Pump Program Application - Adult (18 years and older) (PDF 391 kB)

Alternative format: Insulin Pump Program Application - Child/Youth (under 18 years) (373.07 KB)

Renewal

You need to renew your coverage every year between 1 January and 31 March. You should get a renewal confirmation by mail. It’s your responsibility to let the program know if there are any changes to your personal information.