Overview

If you have diabetes, you may qualify for financial assistance to pay for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must:

  • be an Ontario resident
  • have a valid Ontario health card

We do not consider your income.

Who does not qualify

You do not qualify, if:

  • you already qualify for or are receiving support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board for the same equipment and supplies
  • you are a Group A veteran and already qualify or are receiving support from Veterans Affairs Canada for the same equipment and supplies

What is covered

If you have type 1 diabetes and meet the specific medical eligibility criteria, we will help cover the cost of insulin pumps and supplies used with them (such as infusion sets and cannulas).

If you have type 1 diabetes and meet the specific medical eligibility criteria, we provide coverage for a real-time continuous glucose monitoring system (sensors, transmitters and in some cases a receiver).

Replacements for insulin pumps

You can apply for a replacement pump if either:

  • your medical condition has changed and the pump no longer meets your needs
  • the pump is worn out, no longer under the 5-year warranty and cannot be repaired at a reasonable cost
    • a quote on the estimated repair costs must be provided

We do not cover costs to replace a lost pump or supplies or to repair pumps or supplies damaged through misuse or neglect.

How much is covered

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provides:

  • 100% of the ADP price of an insulin pump
  • up to a maximum of $2,400 a year for supplies used with an insulin pump, paid to you in $600 installments every 3 months
  • full coverage for a real-time glucose monitoring system
  • full coverage for real-time continuous glucose monitor sensors and transmitters up to a maximum allowable quantity per 24-month period

Find a Diabetes Education Program and apply

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Get examined by members of a Diabetes Education Program (DEP) registered with the ADP.

    The DEP consists of a team of health professionals, including a physician and/or nurse practitioner, who will determine whether an insulin pump or a real-time continuous glucose monitoring system is appropriate for you, and whether you meet the medical eligibility criteria.

Use the table below to find a Diabetes Education Program for adults or children using the table below.

Diabetes Education Program for adults

 

Diabetes Education Program for children

 

  1. Work with the staff at the DEP who will help you choose a pump or a real-time continuous glucose monitoring system available from a business registered with ADP, as well as the right supplies.
  2. Fill out the application form. Staff at the DEP can help you.
  1. The ADP-registered business will submit your application to the Assistive Devices Program via electronic submission.

What happens next

We aim to review your application within 8 weeks of receiving it.

If your application has been denied, you will receive a letter from us telling you the reason for the denial and how you can follow up, including appealing our decision.

It is important to follow steps 1 to 4 above before purchasing your insulin pump or real-time continuous glucose monitoring system. If you order or buy these devices before the above steps have been completed, you will be responsible for paying the full cost.

If your application is approved

If your application is approved, we’ll contact the insulin pump business or the real-time continuous glucose monitoring system business. They will contact you to let you know.

At the same time, for the insulin pump and the supplies, we’ll send you the first payment of $600 within 30 days of your application being approved.

For real-time continuous glucose monitoring systems, you will be eligible to begin receiving your supplies and, if required, the receiver.

If your application is not approved

If your application is not approved, you are advised to contact your health care team to discuss your next steps.

Receiving payment for the insulin pump supplies

Payments for insulin pump supplies can be directly deposited into your bank account. Fill out and submit this form to us to set up direct deposit.

Otherwise, payments will be made by cheque mailed to you. Payment by direct deposit is faster, more secure, and less likely to be delayed by factors outside of ADP’s control.

How to renew

You must renew with the ADP every year for insulin pump supplies.

We will send you a renewal letter near the anniversary date of your original application. Complete the form as soon as possible after you receive it, and submit it to the ADP by:

  • Email: adp@ontario.ca
  • Fax: 416-327-8192
  • Mail: Assistive Devices Program
    7th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street    
    Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5

You must renew ADP coverage for the supplies used with a real-time continuous glucose monitoring system every 2 years. You are advised to keep track of when your 2-year funding period expires and contact your ADP-registered business before the expiry date to ensure that they complete the renewal form and submit it to the ADP.

Insulin syringes and needles for seniors

If you are a senior (65+ years) who needs insulin every day and lives at home, you can apply for $170 annually to help pay for syringes and needles.

How to apply

To apply, follow these steps:

  1. Print and fill out the insulin syringes for seniors application form or contact us to request a form.
  2. Once completed, submit the application form to the ADP by:
    • Email: adp@ontario.ca
    • Fax: 416-327-8192
    • Mail: Assistive Devices Program
      7th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street    
      Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5
  3. Buy the syringes and needles from any retailer in Ontario that sells these products. The business does not have to be registered with by the Assistive Devices Program.

What happens next

If you’re approved, we’ll send you $170 within 30 days of the approval date.

If your application is denied, you will receive a letter from us. The letter will tell you the reason for the denial and how you can follow up, including appealing our decision.

Receiving payment

You can have payments directly deposited into your bank account. Fill out and submit this form to us to set up direct deposit.

Otherwise, payments will be made by cheque mailed to you. Payment by direct deposit is faster, more secure, and less likely to be delayed by factors outside of ADP’s control.

How to renew

You must renew with the ADP every 2 years for syringes and needles.

We will send you a renewal letter near the anniversary date of your original application. Complete and return the form to us as soon as possible by:

  • Email: adp@ontario.ca
  • Fax: 416-327-8192
  • Mail: Assistive Devices Program
    7th Floor, 5700 Yonge Street    
    Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5

Diabetic testing supplies

Find out if you qualify and how to apply for help paying for diabetic testing supplies through the Ontario Monitoring for Health Program.