Type 1 Diabetes Support
We cover the costs of the PharmaCare Family Maximum deductible of diabetic supplies for kids with Type 1 Diabetes.
Variety Steps in Where Health Care Ends
Designed to be flexible, our child grants allow families to apply for the items that best meet their children’s needs. We aim to fill the gaps that aren’t covered by government programs, health care, or private health plans. Sometimes, we top up funding when another agency cannot fund the entire cost.
Recognizing that every child is unique, we review each application on an individual basis.
Type 1 Diabetes Support
BC PharmaCare covers most insulins, some insulin pumps and only one continuous glucose monitor (Dexcom, not Freestyle Libre). For a full list of what is covered see this spreadsheet. If your drug or device is not on this list, it will not be covered by this grant. To find alternatives that are covered, please talk to your diabetes doctor.
Working directly with pharmacies, Variety BC covers the out-of-pocket costs to eligible families of children with Type 1 Diabetes until they reach their family maximum and are fully covered by Pharmacare.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for our Type 1 Diabetes support grant, families must meet the following criteria:
1. The grant must be for a child who is between birth and their 19th birthday.
2. The child must be a resident of B.C. and must have resided here for a minimum of three months. The child must have a valid Health Care Card.
3. Have limited financial resources to afford the item or service required. We are currently able to consider requests for Type 1 Diabetes support from households with an annual income of up to $108,333 (this number is based on supporting a family maximum of up to $4,000)
4. You must be using a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM). If you are not already using a Dexcom CGM, you must get a special authority to be eligible for coverage.
Type 1 Diabetes Support Grant Application Process
We’re here to help you every step of the way through our confidential application process.
Please follow the instructions below carefully to ensure your request can be reviewed as soon as possible.
1
Review the eligibility criteria above.
Do you meet the above eligibility requirements?
If so, then follow the rest of these steps and collect the supporting documents you need before applying for Type 1 Diabetes Support.
2
PharmaCare Family Maximum Deductible Amount.
To find your annual PharmaCare Family Maximum deductible, consult the Fair PharmaCare Assistance Levels Table
or
get your current PharmaCare Maximum Family Deductible by calling 604-683-7151 or 1-800-663-7100, follow the prompts for PharmaCare and wait to speak with an agent–they can give you the number over the phone.
3
Register for proof of your deductible amount
Variety requires written proof of your deductible–you can apply to get this online. The letter of confirmation may take up to 3 weeks to be delivered. You must register for Fair PharmaCare to receive this.
Register for Fair PharmaCare
4
Special Authority Letter Required
A Special Authority for Dexcom G6 must be submitted with your application.
If you do not have one, apply here.
5
Collect information you will need
Collect the necessary information to complete the application–you will need:
- Your child’s name, date of birth
- BC Care Card number
- You have your child’s diabetes specialist or doctor’s name.
6
Complete the online application
Complete the application by clicking on the “Apply Now” button below. The application form can be completed online so please use your computer or mobile device to enter the information.
You will need to upload your proof of your deductible amount and your special authority letter. If you are unable to upload them you can email them to [email protected].