Insulin Pump Program

The Insulin Pump Program helps eligible people living with type 1 diabetes with the cost of approved insulin pumps and supplies. 

Am I eligible for this program?

You may be eligible to register in the Insulin Pump Program, if you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and: 

• are a PEI resident
• have a valid PEI Health Card
• have filed your most recent income tax return in PEI
• meet certain medical criteria 

How do I apply?

1. If you are currently on an insulin pump and wish to access funding under the expanded Insulin Pump Program, contact the Insulin Pump Program administrator at  1-833-335-0538 or by email at insulinpumpprogram@ihis.org to have an application sent to you by email or regular mail.
2. If you are new to insulin pumps, complete the Are you Ready to Pump self-assessment .
3. Determine how much you would pay and what the program would pay:
   • Get your tax return for the previous year.
   • Contact your private health insurance provider (if applicable) to see what percentage it covers for insulin pumps and supplies
   • Fill out the form on the Insulin Pump Payment Calculator to determine what the program would pay and what you would pay for your insulin pumps.
4. Contact your diabetes care team to complete an intake assessment. If appropriate, you will be referred to an insulin pump care team member who will determine if you are medically eligible and support your self-management goals. 

If you are a PEI resident who is being followed by an out-of-province diabetes care team, you will need to follow different steps. See the Insulin Pump Program Questions and Answers for more information. 

What happens once I am approved?

Once approved, you will work with your insulin pump team to complete any additional training prior to your pump start and you will be given an appointment with your insulin pump educator. 

As the program expands, we anticipate a higher demand for services. This increased demand, along with capacity of insulin pump specialists and personal readiness, may lead to significant delays for some patients starting on insulin pump therapy. To address this, Health PEI is actively recruiting specialist physicians and diabetes educators to support the program. (See the note at the top of this page.)

How much of the cost is covered?

Individuals/families pay part of the costs of insulin pumps and supplies based on: 

• their total household income 
• coverage through private health insurance (if applicable)
• device costs

Only the uninsured costs of insulin pumps and supplies are eligible for coverage within the program.

The following chart shows examples of what might be covered for individuals under this program. 

*The co-pay amount is in addition to the cost for any insulin, glucose sensors and blood glucose test strips expenses covered under the PEI Pharmacare program.

*The co-pay amount is in addition to the cost for any insulin, glucose sensors and blood glucose test strips expenses covered under the PEI Pharmacare program.

Use the Insulin Pump Payment Calculator to determine your estimated out-of-pocket costs for your insulin pump and supplies. 

What insulin pump supplies are eligible for coverage?

The following supplies from a government-approved vendor are eligible for coverage:

• insulin pump from a government-approved vendor (one pump every five years)
• infusion sets (maximum 140 sets per year)
• reservoirs (maximum 140 per year)
• site inserts (maximum one replacement device per year)
• skin adhesive wipes (maximum 150 per year) and
• sterile transparent dressings (maximum 200 per year)

Only devices and supplies on the Insulin Pump Program approved vendors list are eligible for this program.

The program does not cover out-of-pocket expenses for any extra blood glucose test strips where required (6-10 tests per day), lancets, or pump batteries.

Visit the Glucose Sensor Program web page for information on sensor coverage. 

Can I get a refund for the insulin pump I already purchased?

No. You will not be reimbursed for an insulin pump or insulin pump supplies you purchased before you were registered in the program.

When do my benefits for the Insulin Pump Program end?

You are eligible for benefits until June 30 each year. To renew your benefits, you (and your household members, if applicable) must have filed your income tax for the previous year.

You must reapply between April 1 and June 30 each year to keep your coverage. See the Renew your Insulin Pump and/or Glucose Sensor program benefits web page to reapply.

You will be assessed by your diabetes team on an ongoing basis. If you no longer meet the medical eligibility requirements your benefits will stop.

What if I move away from PEI?

Your eligibility for this program ends three months after you move from PEI to live elsewhere. 

For more information

Please refer to the Insulin Pump Program Questions and Answers.

Contact the Insulin Pump Program

Insulin Pump Program Administrator

PEI Pharmacare
16 Fitzroy Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE  C1N 7N8

Telephone:  902-213-4825
Email:  insulinpumpprogram@ihis.org