British Columbia  government is expanding insulin pump coverage, so any British Columbian requiring one to manage diabetes will have access under PharmaCare, announced Adrian Dix, Minister of Health.  “For many individuals diagnosed with diabetes, insulin pumps can have a positive impact on their health. It allows them to better manage their condition, improving their quality of life and well-being, and preventing serious secondary conditions ranging from cardiovascular disease to nerve damage,” said Adrian Dix. “Up to now, many people over 25 years old, who rely on an insulin pump to manage their chronic disease, have been forced to make the difficult choice between purchasing this device for their health, or foregoing it due to cost,” added Adrian Dix. “Going forward, they won’t be put in this position. Following through on a pledge made by Premier John Horgan, the provincial government is removing the age restriction for insulin pump coverage.”

With this change in coverage, taking effect on July 3, 2018, British Columbia becomes one of only three provinces to cover insulin pumps for people living with diabetes requiring one, regardless of age. Approximately 485,000 British Columbians live with diabetes. It is expected that roughly 830 adults over 25 years of age will benefit from the expansion in the first year.

While not required for all individuals diagnosed with diabetes, insulin pumps offer many people a reliable and stable way of monitoring and scheduling insulin doses, which can have a positive impact on one’s quality of life. Insulin pumps can range in cost from approximately $6,000 to $7,000, and require replacing roughly every five years.

The anticipated cost of expanding insulin pump coverage to all eligible British Columbians, no matter their age, will be approximately $15 million over three years. Patients must meet with their diabetes physician specialist to determine whether they meet the eligibility criteria for an insulin pump. The patient’s physician would then apply to PharmaCare’s special authority department for insulin pump coverage.

Saskatoon proposes $20K licensing fee for marijuana stores

Saskatoon City administrators have  floaed the idea of a $20,000 licensing fee for a shop’s first year of operation, and a $10,000 annual renewal charge. The usual licensing fee to open other types of commercial businesses in Saskatoon is $125, and the annual renewal fee is $85, by comparison. “It is anticipated that there will be a significant impact on staffing resources when cannabis becomes legal in summer 2018. In order to offset these costs, an initial business license fee of $20,000, which is higher than the conventional business license fee, is being proposed,” a report outlining the proposal, and several other recommendations, reads.