Today NDP Health Critic Vicki Mowat was joined by Paul Kuspira, who has Type 1 diabetes and is an insulin pump user, to call on the government to provide coverage for everyone with Type 1 diabetes who uses a pump in the province.

“Diabetes is a growing problem in Saskatchewan and right now, the provincial government is letting people like Paul down by not providing coverage for pumps for those over 25,” Mowat said. “There is no reason for the government to not follow in the steps of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and the territories who already provide coverage.”

An insulin pump must be replaced every five years, and if you’re over 25, it’ll cost over $7,000 out of pocket, and generally isn’t covered by insurance.

“Access to an insulin pump is a quality-of-life issue for me,” said Kuspira. “I want to be in control of my diabetes, not have it control me, but these high costs are a barrier to that.”

“The government is letting people with diabetes down when they turn 26,” Mowat said. “Having access to a pump shouldn’t just be for those who can afford it, it should be available to everyone.”