Register for the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program
Register for the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program to help with the costs of sensor-based glucose monitoring supplies. You need to be living with diabetes and use multiple daily injections of insulin to register.
The Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program helps pay for approved sensor-based glucose monitoring systems that are listed in the Nova Scotia Formulary. Sensor-based glucose monitoring systems are an alternative to regularly testing your glucose levels by pricking your finger and using a test strip.
Coverage and deductible
The program is income based and has an annual maximum deductible based on family size. The deductible is the amount you need to pay before the program begins coverage. There are no premiums or copayments.
| Family income | Annual deductible |
|---|---|
| $60,000 or less | $0 |
| $60,001 to $80,000 | $500 |
| $80,001 to $100,000 | $750 |
| $100,001 to $150,000 | $1,000 |
| $150,001 or more | $0 (not eligible for the program) |
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 are eligible for reimbursement by the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program.
You pay the full cost of the supplies at the pharmacy until you reach your deductible.
Calculating family income
Family income is the total income of the adults living in the home. This amount is verified by Canada Revenue Agency and reported on your income tax return for the previous tax year.
Family income will be reduced by $3,000 for each additional adult and dependent 17 or younger. For the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program, a family is:
- a single adult (18 years and older) even if they live with their parents or guardians
- an adult and partner (a partner is a person who is married to you or with whom you are in a relationship and live at the same address)
- a single adult and all dependants (a dependant child is defined as a child or a legal ward of you or your partner who is supported by you or your partner, 17 or younger, not married or living in a partnership relationship; a dependant child can only be enrolled with one family at any given time)
Coverage options
You have several options for coverage. Options include the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program, Seniors’ Pharmacare Program, Family Pharmacare Program and Department of Community Services Pharmacare Benefits Program. You can only have coverage under 1 program (compare the programs to determine what program best suits your personal and financial needs).
Choosing a sensor-based glucose monitor
The program only covers approved sensors and related supplies. Discuss the best option with a healthcare professional.
Supplies are only covered when dispensed by a pharmacy with a prescription. Manual claims are only allowed in specific circumstances.
Purchase, replacement and reimbursements of sensors
The program doesn’t cover prescriptions purchased outside Nova Scotia except under very specific circumstances. Contact the Pharmacare Office for more details.
There are no reimbursements for sensors purchased before you’re registered in the program.
If a sensor needs to be replaced early (for example, it stops working or falls off), you must contact the manufacturer directly to request a replacement. Depending on the manufacturer and product, a replacement sensor may be shipped to you at no cost or you may receive an email voucher to redeem for a sensor at your pharmacy.
Changes to personal information
You need to notify the program right away 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 registration
The Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program can help you with the registration process and answer questions about eligibility and coverage provided through the program. If you’d like to receive a paper application by mail, contact us.
Eligibility
You can apply for funding if you:
- are a resident of Nova Scotia
- are 2 or older
- have a Health Card (the card can’t be expired)
- have a combined net household income of $150,000 or less
- have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and are using intensive insulin therapy (at least 4 injections per day) or rely on an insulin pump
How to register
- Review detailed program criteria in the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program Brochure.
- Complete the registration form.
- Check the form for details on all required supporting documents.
- Send your completed form and supporting documents by mail or fax. Or drop them off at Medavie Blue Cross.
How long it takes
It should take 1 to 2 weeks to get registered in the program. 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 register, but there is an annual maximum deductible associated with participating in the program.
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- Health Card number for everyone in your home
- social insurance numbers and dates of birth of all adults in your family
- doctor, nurse practitioner or pharmacist available to complete the last page of the form
Registration form
Renewal
Your coverage through the program is renewed automatically in February each year. You should get a renewal confirmation by mail (including any changes to your income provided by Canada Revenue Agency or changes to your coverage). It’s your responsibility to let the program know if there are any changes to your personal information.
If you don’t want your coverage to renew, you can opt out by contacting the program.