Monitoring for Health: Canadian Diabetes Association.

The Ontario Monitoring for Health Program is designed to help people of any age, who use insulin or have gestational diabetes, with the cost of their diabetes testing supplies.
Blood Testing Strips and Lancets: 75% reimbursement up to a maximum of $820 per year
Blood Glucose Meters: 75% reimbursement up to a maximum of $75, once every 5 years
Talking Glucose Meters: 75% reimbursement up to a maximum of $300, once every 5 years
For more information and/or to receive an Ontario Monitoring for Health Program claim form call 1-800-361-0796 or one of our customer care representatives at 1-866-418-3392

Syringes for seniors program.

The MOHLTC Assistive Devices Program provides up to $175 annually for seniors over the age of 65 years to help cover the cost of insulin syringes and insulin pen needle tips.

To apply contact 1 (800) 268-6021 (416) 314-5518 or go to their website and print off the form directly: HERE

Ontario Drug Benefits Program (ODB)

Anyone on social assistance or using the Trillium Drug Program uses the ODB plan. The ODB plan is a medical plan that covers the majority of drugs and some medical supplies (such as strips). Needles are not covered under this plan. Seniors (age 65 & over) are also eligible to access the plan (depending on annual income a $100.00 deductible may required) and should speak to with our pharmacist

PLEASE NOTE: If a particular drug is not covered by the ODB, individuals, with their physician, can apply for special, time limited funding. This is called a SECTION 8 MECHANISM - individuals should speak to their physician about this process.

Trillium Drug Program

Assists people with high drug costs in relation to their income (Ministry of Health) 1 (800) 268-1154 (416) 314-5518 Trillium offers assistance to those that have a low income and no financial coverage for drug costs. To apply to this program the individual must complete an application form that will have detailed questions about their income. Based on that completed application a deductible is determined and the individual must meet it before the coverage begins. Once the deductible is met, the individual will only have to pay a basic, low cost, dispensing fee.

Most diabetes medications and blood / urine testing supplies are covered through the program, however needles are not. This program uses the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan for its coverage. Claimants may use this plan for any prescription medications; it is not limited to those associated to diabetes. Claimants should note that items such as strips must be obtained through a prescription from a physician to receive coverage. Call for more information

Ontario Disability Support Program (Ministry of Community and Social Services / Ministry of Health)

Any person on welfare / family benefits or the Ontario Disability Support Program will have the cost of managing their diabetes covered by the individual programs. Drugs and strips are covered through prescription on the Ontario Drug Benefit plan. Other costs associated with managing diabetes (needles for example) should be worked into the individuals cost of living expenses and reflected in their monthly cheques. For those on the Ontario Disability Support program, 65% of the cost of lancets will be reimbursed by the Monitoring for Health Program (please note the individual still must be insulin using and follow the claims process for the Monitoring for Health Program)

Lilly Canada Cares Insulin Assistance Program

(Note: Individual must apply to this program through a Health professional only - such as a Diabetes Educator) 1 (888) 479 7587 ext. 3006 (Information line for Health Care Professionals) This program will provide insulin to patients who cannot afford it and do not have government or private insurance (approximately 3 month supply). Those eligible for this assistance include patients requiring insulin whose household incomes fall below Statistics Canada Low-Income Cut-Off levels AND who do not have other government or private health insurance. The supply will be delivered to the designated Diabetes Education Centre for the individual to pick up. If the need is still present after three months the individual, with their Health Care Professional can reapply.

Eyeglasses and Home support

City of Ottawa Employment and Financial services. Support to seniors and low income individuals: If you are a low-income individual, you can apply for financial assistance for special items such as eyeglasses. Call 613-560-6000 to apply for help. The operator will direct your call to the right worker.

If you are receiving financial assistance from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, contact your case worker for more information.

If you are not receiving Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program, you can apply to EFA. Be prepared to provide information about:
your family size
the ages of your children
your housing costs
your sources of income
the items you own
your expenses