DIABETIC SUPPLIES, NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ADDED TO DRUG PLAN

Over 15,000 people are expected to benefit when diabetic supplies such as needles, syringes, lancets and swabs are added to the Saskatchewan Drug Plan on July 1st.

The drug plan is also being expanded to provide assistance towards the cost of specialized nutritional products that are required by people with complex medical conditions. Coverage for specialized nutritional products will begin September 1st.

Drug plan coverage is being expanded as part of the government's commitment under the First Ministers' Health Accord to improve access to primary care, home care and catastrophic drug coverage.

"The Saskatchewan Drug Plan is designed to assist families who face high prescription costs in relation to their income," Health Minister John Nilson said. "By providing coverage for diabetic supplies and specialized nutritional products, we can help to ensure that Saskatchewan residents don't suffer financial hardship in order to receive the care they need."

The cost of adding diabetic supplies to the drug plan is projected to be $3.3 million over a nine-month period in 2003-04, and $4.8 million in 2004-05. Over 15,000 people who have diabetes currently receive benefits through the Saskatchewan Drug Plan. They will see their benefits increase to cover diabetic supplies, and many other diabetics will become eligible for assistance as a result of the drug plan expansion.

Insulin, type II diabetic drugs and blood glucose test strips are already covered under the drug plan, and diabetic supplies will be covered in the same manner.

"We want to support people with diabetes so they can manage their care properly and avoid the serious complications that can occur," Nilson said.

"Though diabetes is a complex and serious disease with life-threatening complications, it can be managed well with support and access to the proper resources," Associate Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for the Canadian Diabetes Association Christine Smillie said. "This announcement enables affected families and individuals who currently qualify for assistance, to access additional financial support that is critical to their wellness and instrumental in reducing the burden of diabetes, for both the individual and the tax payer."

Coverage for specialized nutritional products will be provided to people with complex conditions who rely on them as their primary source of nutrition. It is estimated that 120 people may be eligible for assistance through this program, at a cost of approximately $200,000 annually. Program details will be released later this year.

In the coming months, the province will announce plans for spending $8.5 million in funding from the First Ministers' Health Accord in the areas of primary health care and home care.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083 Cell: (306)537-3593