The Provincial Government has expanded access to the provincial Insulin Pump Program. Administered in Newfoundland and Labrador by Eastern Health, the Insulin Pump Program covers the cost of basic insulin pumps and supplies for qualifying individuals who have Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Pumps may be used instead of insulin injections to continuously deliver insulin that helps control an individual’s blood sugar.

With the program expansion, full coverage is now available to children and youth up to 18 years old as well as individuals already in the program who are between the ages of 18 and 24 years old.

As of January 18, 2021, new, medically eligible clients entering the program, who are 18 years of age and older, will be financially assessed using an Income Test to determine if there will be any client contribution. Income testing is widely used in this province, as well as in other Canadian jurisdictions, and includes a financial hardship policy.

For more information about the expanded Insulin Pump Program, visit the Eastern Health website, or call 709-752-4436 or toll free 1-888-246-4888.

In Budget 2019, the Provincial Government lifted the age cap for those who were currently in the program and committed to a complete program review. Building on this commitment, through Budget 2020, the Provincial Government allocated $3.25 million to substantially expand the Insulin Pump Program.

Quotes
“Diabetes affects an extraordinary number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and their families. Last year, we lifted the age cap for the Insulin Pump Program. This year, through Budget 2020 funding, we’ve built upon that and expanded the program to improve health outcomes in this province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Eastern Health is committed to improving the health outcomes of those we serve. The expansion of the Insulin Pump Program is another tool to help improve care and the quality of life for our diabetes patients consistent with our vision of ‘Healthy People, Healthy Communities’.”
David Diamond
President and CEO, Eastern Health

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Learn more

Provincial Insulin Pump Program

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Media contacts
Lesley Clarke
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca

Tracey Boland
Eastern Health
709-777-1412, 730-7759
traceyl.boland@easternhealth.ca