About the program
The NSIPP was created to help make sure that Nova Scotians with diabetes get access to the treatment options that they need. Insulin pumps and pump supplies can be expensive—we help Nova Scotians with the cost of both insulin pumps and pump supplies.
The program is based on family income and family size. Families with lower incomes will receive the most help through our program. This is to ensure we can offer the most help to people who can least afford to pay.
Types of insulin pumps covered include Tandem, Medtronic and Insulet (Omnipod).
The NSIPP is administered by the IWK in partnership with Department of Health and Wellness and Nova Scotia Health.
What’s covered
The program covers:
- 1 insulin pump every 5 years - types of insulin pumps covered include Tandem, Medtronic and Insulet (Omnipod)
- insulin pump supplies (like insertion sets, cartridges and reservoirs, tape and skin preparation)
If you buy an insulin pump through the program, it comes with a 5-year warranty.
If your medical situation changes and you’re no longer eligible for an insulin pump, your coverage will stop.
What’s not covered
Diabetes medications (like insulin) and oral medications and supplies (like blood glucose meters, test strips and continuous glucose monitoring systems) are not covered through the Insulin Pump Program.
You have several options for additional coverage. Options include the Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program and Family Pharmacare Program.
Cost
There is no cost to apply for the funding, but there is an annual copayment associated with participating in the program.
Copayment
The program is income based and has an annual copayment amount based on family size. The copayment is the amount you may need to pay. There are no premiums or deductibles.
You can contact the Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program to get an estimate of your copayment amount.
You need to use any sources of insurance that you have (like private insurance) before the program can begin coverage. This includes insurance plans that require you to submit receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement. Any amounts that are not paid by insurance and copayment are covered by the Insulin Pump Program.
Eligibility
You can apply for funding if you:
- are a resident of Nova Scotia
- have a Health Card (the card can’t be expired)
- have Type 1 diabetes
- meet specific clinical eligibility criteria
Clinical eligibility criteria
You need to meet all of the following clinical eligibility criteria:
- you were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at least 4 months ago
- you've had at least 1 A1C value after diagnosis in the last 12 months
- you’ve had no more than 1 episode of diabetic ketoacidosis/hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in the last 12 months, excluding diagnosis
- you were assessed by a diabetes team (with insulin pump knowledge) at least once in the last 12 months
- you self-monitor glucose 4 or more times per day or uses continuous glucose monitoring with at least 70% active time
- you understand how to safely manage an insulin pump
- you completed the Insulin Pump Therapy Participant Responsibility Agreement – Initial Enrollment Only
How to apply
- Review detailed clinical eligibility criteria.
- Contact the Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program to confirm your eligibility (the program also connects you with an approved Diabetes Centre that can complete and submit a Clinical Eligibility Form for you).
- Complete the funding application.
- Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
- Send your completed application and supporting documents by mail.
Help with your application
The Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program can answer questions about the application process, program eligibility and coverage.
Application form
Please choose the appropriate application form below:
Adult (18 years and older) application: Insulin Pump Program Application - Adult (18 years and older) (PDF 391 kB)
Child/Youth (under 18 years) application: Insulin Pump Program Application - Child/Youth (under 18 years) (373.07 KB)
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- Health Card number
- most recent Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment for you and any other adults in your family
Insulin pumps are not for everyone. If you’re thinking about applying for the program:
- read and complete the Are You Ready to Use an Insulin Pump Checklist
- read the Is an Insulin Pump for Me Factsheet
- talk to your Diabetes Health Centre team about whether an insulin pump could work for you
Renewal
You need to renew your coverage every year between 1 January and 31 March. It’s your responsibility to let the program know if there are any changes to your personal information.
Changes to personal information
You need to notify the program if there are any changes to your personal information (like change of address, your income changes or change to your household members).
Related information
Accessing this Clinic, Program or Service
Phone: 1-855-306-6360 (toll-free) / 902-470-6707 (greater Halifax)
Email: nsipp@iwk.nshealth.ca
Mailing address: PO Box 9700, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8