Hello,

I have been offered a job in Toronto (postdoctoral researcher) and I'm trying to figure out how to manage my prescriptions. I have been offered very basic health care which only covers 70% of prescription costs a year up to $1000 - my test strips will cost me $3000 alone as I use around 300 a month.
As OHIP doesn't kick in for 3-6 months, I'm also not sure how to manage until then. Can anyone offer any advice? How did you manage before OHIP, what does OHIP cover and are there any good healthcare providers who will offer enough coverage?

I'm going around in circles as it seems most providers will not cover me without OHIP and others are denying me extended plans as I have an existing condition.

Thanks in advance!

Catherine

I am about 99% sure that OHIP does not cover the cost of testing strips... I'm not diabetic, but I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant. I relied on my insurance through work to cover the test strips and lancets. I was diet-controlled, so can't speak about whether or not insulin is covered.

A friend of mine is diabetic, and when she was doing contract work, she got private insurance through Blue Cross. I don't know how good the coverage was for her supplies, though, so you'd have to look into it yourself further.

Does your work position offer tiers of insurance, or is it just that basic one and that's it? (My work has 3 tiers, the premiums go up as you move up the tiers, obviously, but it gives you more coverage as you go up, so you can pick the plan that works for you.)

Hopefully others will be along to contribute...

Ontario Monitoring for Health Program | Diabetes Canada

https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-help...ion-drug-costs <-- Trillium, if your medical expenses are more than 3-4% of your income; Diabetes supplies are included.


Edited to add, if you qualify for Trilliium, (last link above) you may be able to get some of your costs for blood testing strips covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit plan.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-cove...drugs#diabetes
There's also the Assistive Devices Program, which can help with the cost of an insulin pump and supplies: https://www.ontario.ca/page/insulin-...betes-supplies

You may be able to claim some costs back through your taxes: Lines 330 and 331 – Eligible medical expenses you can claim on your tax return (page 6 on the list)

I vaguely remember seeing something like $100 a month was allowed in Ontario for diabetic supplies but I don't recall if there was any sort of assessment involved.

I'm sure Siouxie has a link saved somewhere with the answer.

when I worked for Uof T you could join the university health plan.

You test your blood 10 times a day. Why?

I am a Type I diabetic and a box of 100 test strips lasts around a month. Blue Cross in Alberta gives me $600 a year for "diabetic supplies" which covers around half the costs of my test trips for each year.

OHIP does not cover test strips or any other medication.

https://www.diabetes.ca/in-your-comm...health-program
and on...

Not entirely true as regards other medication. For those with excessive medication costs the Ontario Gov't has the Trillium Drug Programme. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/funded_drug/fund_trillium.aspx

Not specifically, but in order to obtain assistance with the other Government schemes, you must have an OHIP card.

Yes! Also the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan, if you qualify for the Trillium one... and they include diabetes medications and supplies.

Good question... that sounds excessive

Hello

I'm Type 1 diabetic and moving to Canada on the 21st of June, i have a job with my current employers new Canadian sister company.

They have a pretty decent health package with Sunlife 100% covered for prescriptions and insulins, $750 per year for supplies.

Might be worth you checking them out if you haven't already.

Siouxie cant believe its a year since i first badgered you with questions, starting to panic now that they will send me away at the airport.

Also stockpile Insulin and supplies, i have and have enough to see me through OHIP qualifying period

Yes! Also the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan, if you qualify for the Trillium one... and they include diabetes medications and supplies.

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In order to qualify for Trillium you need to spend a certain percentage of your income on drugs before they pay. You need to have very low income before it is of any benefit.

Hubby is type 2 but on insulin. He has a plan that covers 100% and he doesn't pay for anything. This is through Sunlife.

Also to add. When he started his job he was supposed to wait three months for cover but they took him on immediately because he was diabetic so worth asking...