Registration Underway for Diabetes Assistance Program

Nova Scotians under the age of 65 with diabetes and no drug insurance are now able to register for the province's new diabetes assistance program, which begins Jan. 1.

This new Pharmacare program helps people with the cost of diabetes medications and supplies, and provides educational materials to promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

When people with diabetes can't afford the medications and supplies they need, they have a greater chance of developing complications such as heart disease and kidney failure. The program aims to reduce that risk.

The program helps to cover the cost of insulin, oral blood glucose lowering medications, blood glucose test strips, needles, lancets, and syringes listed on the Nova Scotia Pharmacare formulary.

For more information, including registration forms, information booklets and the Pharmacare formulary, see the website at: www.gov.ns.ca/health/pharmacare or call the Nova Scotia Diabetes Assistance Program at 424-6565 in the Halifax area, or toll-free at 1-800-305-5026.

Forms and booklets will also be available by Friday, Dec. 16 at doctors' offices, pharmacies, diabetes centres across the province, and the Nova Scotia Office of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

In 2005-06, the provincial government is allocating $2.5 million to design and implement this program. The program will be phased in over time and this amount represents the startup costs of what's estimated to be an $8-million to $9-million program.

Between 3,000 and 5,000 Nova Scotians will be eligible for coverage under this program.