Winnipeg, June 16, 2017 – Pharmacists Manitoba is collaborating with the Department of Health, Seniors and Active Living to support the introduction of a new policy regarding changes to Pharmacare and Employment & Income Assistance (EIA) Drug Programs benefit coverage for blood glucose test strips in Manitoba.  The strips are used by patients to check their blood glucose (blood sugar) levels, and are a common tool in the management of diabetes.  The strips are covered as a benefit under the Pharmacare Program and EIA Program. The new policy coming into effect today will lower the number of strips that will be covered annually for eligible patients who used oral medication or lifestyle changes to control their diabetes. The maximum number of strips covered in a benefit year is based on various treatment regimens. 

“Testing blood glucose levels is a critical aspect of the successful management of diabetes, and Manitobans coping with this condition count on their local pharmacy to provide them with the test strips they need in order to carry out these tests,” said Barret Procyshyn, President of the Board of Directors for Pharmacists Manitoba. “The changes coming into effect today will lower the annual number of test strips which can be covered for certain patients, but they are generally aligned with Diabetes Canada guidelines and consistent with changes already in effect elsewhere in Canada. Although these changes will create additional tasks for community pharmacists, we want to work with all stakeholders to ensure this change happens as smoothly as possible.”

Procyshyn noted that patients visiting their pharmacists to refill their test strips may notice the changes in coverage or amount of strips supplied.  Information is being provided to pharmacies throughout Manitoba regarding the changes.  Manitobans can also visit Manitoba Health Seniors and Active Living website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare/changes.html for more information.  Pharmacists will do their best to provide Manitoba patients with the information they need to make effective use of their blood glucose strips as part of their management of diabetes.  

“Pharmacists Manitoba will continue to work as closely as possible with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active living to ensure that patients receive the information they need,” said Procyshyn. “As the most accessible healthcare professionals in the public health care system, your pharmacist can help ensure the most effective use of your blood glucose test strips and connect patients and their families with further information and resources so they can manage their diabetes.”