Financial Assistance Programs

 In Ontario, there are a number of financial assistance programs to help offset some of the cost associated with diabetes care. For more information on a plan or program talk to your diabetes team or contact the numbers listed below.

NOTE: Effective August 1, 2013, the government has issued changes in the number of blood glucose strips it will reimburse for people with diabetes. The reimbursement amounts will now be determined individually by the diabetes treatment. For a chart outlining the limits, and more information, click here, or to read more information about monitoring blood glucose levels with test strips, click here.

Insurance

Diabetes Canada works with Ingle International to help people with diabetes access a reputable source of insurance and information. Note that individual health insurance is subject to limitations and exclusions based on pre-existing conditions. Be sure to read the fine print.

Ingle International & Imagine Insurance represents many of the major insurance companies in Canada. They provide access to insurance products and services to suit your needs and budget. Coverage is based on individual health conditions and is not guaranteed. If they are not able to provide an insurance product or service, depending on your health condition, they will provide advice. Information and alternatives may be available to you. click here

The majority of your prescription medications, including insulin, are covered under ODB if you belong to any one of the following categories: receiving social assistance Senior 65+, resident of a long-term care facility or Trillium Drug Program recipient. The ODB plan has increased the reimbursement limits for blood glucose test strips. The limit is now based on your current diabetes treatment. Speak to your pharmacist for details. click here

If you are not on social assistance and you do not have private health insurance, or your private health insurance does not cover 100% of your drug costs, you can apply to the program to help pay for the cost of prescription medications, insulin and strips. If you are eligible, you will have to pay a deductible based on your household income. Speak with your local pharmacist or diabetes educator for application requirements. click here

This card provides you with the choice to stay on brand name medications at the generic price by paying up to the difference in cost. It is a free patient benefit program that provides financial coverage on many medications and healthcare products. click here

Assists to cover the cost of those prescription drugs and medical services that are not covered by any other provincial or federal government programs. Contact the Non-Insured Health Benefits Ontario Regional Office for details. click here

Assistance to cover the cost of prescription drugs and a variety of medical services for Veterans, released and still serving CF members, RCMP members and certain civilians, as well as their dependants and survivors. Contact Veterans Affairs Canada for details.

Assists individuals with a long-term physical disability with purchasing specific equipment and supplies. The program may be able to cover 75% of the cost (or a fixed amount). The program covers over 8,000 pieces of equipment and supplies. A full list is available online or by calling the program. click here

This program assists individuals who have type 1 diabetes and are interested and willing to use an insulin pump. If you meet the eligible criteria, this program provides 100% coverage for the cost of the pump and a $2400 yearly grant for insulin pump supplies. You must regularly attend a designated Diabetes Program to be eligible. Your diabetes team will do an assessment and complete an initial application form for you. A renewal form must be completed annually by your diabetes care team indicating that you continue to meet the ADP eligibility criteria to continue receiving the ongoing grant for pump supplies. click here

If you are over 65 years of age and use insulin on a daily basis, you can apply for a yearly grant of $170 for needles and syringes. Speak to your diabetes team for details. click here

If you are dependent on insulin, or have Gestational Diabetes, and have no other coverage, you can apply for a 75% reimbursement of the cost of your blood glucose strips and lancets, up to a maximum of $820 per year. You can also get a 75% reimbursement of the cost of a meter, up to a maximum of $75. MFHP can also help with the cost of a ‘talking meter’ if you are visually impaired. Ask your local Diabetes Canada office, Diabetes Education Program, or pharmacy for the MFHP application form. click here

Assists families of children and youth with type 1 diabetes. The Foundation’s Medical Assistance Program assists children living with diabetes whose families are not covered by third party health plans and who struggle to obtain the necessary medical supplies and drugs needed to control their diabetes. Scholarship opportunities are also available. click here

To find out about tax credits and deductions, like Medical Expense Tax Credit, Disability Tax Credit and Child Disability Benefit, contact Revenue Canada.

Click here for a useful tool to help manage information for the Disability Tax Credit.