Before the pump, this type 1 diabetic had to inject insulin several times a day. The risk of diabetic coma was constant, especially at night. The pump therefore allows him more peace of mind and more autonomy.
The government reimburses children’s pumps and, under a scheme, continues to pay for treatment into adulthood.
However, if you need a pump for the first time after the age of 18, the associated costs will not be covered by the Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
For Martin Paré, this situation is nonsense, especially since the pump literally allows him to stay alive.
” This pump is the equivalent of a pacemaker For me. Would we accept someone not having pacemaker? I do not think so. »
Martin Paré wants to address the Human Rights Court to denounce what he calls ageism. For him, everyone should have access to the treatment, which costs $7000 to $8000 for the pump, which does not include the monthly fees.
In 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services asked the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESS) to evaluate the efficiency of new insulin pump technologies. In the analysis report published in 2022, the experts spoke out in favor of reimbursement for the pump.
The Department of Health and Social Care replied by email that it was still evaluating the file.
Other countries in Canada, Alberta and Ontario reimburse insulin pumps for citizens of all ages.
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