The Honourable Christine Elliott
Minister of Health
Deputy Premier
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON, M7A 2J3
2021-05-28
RE: CGM Monitoring Coverage
Dear Minister Elliott,
I am writing this letter to you regrading the recent vote against Bill 272 brought forward by MPP Taras Natyshak, which was voted against by your Government. As you know, this bill called on the government to add continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices to Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program for those who live with type 1 diabetes.
If passed, this bill would have granted Ontarians more freedom and a better quality of life, no matter their income. As the case was made so passionately to you by the young activist from Niagara-on-the-Lake I brought to Queen’s Park, Maya Webster, access to these devices will save money in healthcare, will reduce hospital visits and will save lives. Not only is it the morally right thing to do, it makes financial sense.
We are behind multiple other jurisdictions such as Quebec, which recently announced that people living with type 1 diabetes can now receive provincial coverage for the Dexcom G6 CGM System Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec. They have acknowledged the necessity and life-changing benefits of this technology—Ontario should do the same.
In addition to Quebec — Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon have also dedicated funding for CGM for children and young adults that are living with diabetes. This technology not only has the ability to save lives — but to potentially alleviate financial pressures that are on the healthcare system. Ontario needs to follow suit in providing better funding for continuous glucose monitoring systems. I am requesting that you work with us to make that a reality.
My office remains ready and willing to meet with you at any time to discuss this important issue and work towards a mutual solution.
Sincerely,
*Original Signed*
Wayne Gates
MPP for Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie