Nova Scotia Legislature: Fund insulin pumps for children

The Issue

Many families would have difficulty covering the $6500-$9000 cost of a pump for their child. Diabetes is considered a pre-exisitng condition thus in many cases does not qualify for medical insurance. Nova Scotia is one of 2 provinces not to cover these pumps in some form. It's time for us to catch up with the rest of the country. Nova Scotians can't always be the ones lagging behind. It is time! Insulin Pump Coverage for children in Nova Scotia has had many years of discussion. Put aside party affiliations and loyalties and think about why you got involved in politics. As intelligent and compassionate elected members of Nova Scotia please hear this message: Insulin pumps should be covered in Nova Scotia! As taxpayers and voters we understand that a budget has to be balanced. However, is there anything more important than the health and well being of our children? With hard work and determination funds could be found. This is an important issue that has been left on the backburner long enough. It is time. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association research shows that: In the first year of implementation, the net financial cost to Nova Scotia is projected to be approximately $650,000. The net financial savings is projected to grow each year, reaching approximately $1.4 million by 2032.Coverage for children in Nova Scotia needs to and WILL take place. Will you choose to be a part of the success, especially those of you that are not re-offering for another term? What a legacy you could leave, being a part of something so vital. Alone we can do so little, together we can make a change. Health and good wishes to all party members. Now you know what the people want, begin the process of covering insulin pumps for children in our province. It is time.

Confirmed victory
This petition made change with 5,778 supporters!

The Issue

Many families would have difficulty covering the $6500-$9000 cost of a pump for their child. Diabetes is considered a pre-exisitng condition thus in many cases does not qualify for medical insurance. Nova Scotia is one of 2 provinces not to cover these pumps in some form. It's time for us to catch up with the rest of the country. Nova Scotians can't always be the ones lagging behind. It is time! Insulin Pump Coverage for children in Nova Scotia has had many years of discussion. Put aside party affiliations and loyalties and think about why you got involved in politics. As intelligent and compassionate elected members of Nova Scotia please hear this message: Insulin pumps should be covered in Nova Scotia! As taxpayers and voters we understand that a budget has to be balanced. However, is there anything more important than the health and well being of our children? With hard work and determination funds could be found. This is an important issue that has been left on the backburner long enough. It is time. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association research shows that: In the first year of implementation, the net financial cost to Nova Scotia is projected to be approximately $650,000. The net financial savings is projected to grow each year, reaching approximately $1.4 million by 2032.Coverage for children in Nova Scotia needs to and WILL take place. Will you choose to be a part of the success, especially those of you that are not re-offering for another term? What a legacy you could leave, being a part of something so vital. Alone we can do so little, together we can make a change. Health and good wishes to all party members. Now you know what the people want, begin the process of covering insulin pumps for children in our province. It is time.

Confirmed victory

This petition made change with 5,778 supporters!

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The Decision Makers

Dave Wilson
Dave Wilson
Health Mininster
Responded
Dear Tammy and everyone who signed, Many of you signed this petition because of children in your life who are living with diabetes. I know that for my wife and I, nothing is more important than the health of our children. And as a paramedic, I know what a serious problem poorly-managed diabetes can be for patients and for our health care system. That's where my own thoughts have gone in the many discussions I've had about insulin pumps with families, advocates and doctors over the past year. It's why I'm so happy to be able to share some good news. Today, as part of the provincial budget, the NDP government announced that it will fund insulin pumps for children and youth up to age 19 as well as supplies for insulin pumps for young people up to 25. These new programs will be part of a $5.3 million investment in diabetes care. This is one of several children's health initiatives in this budget: Nova Scotia is also expanding newborn screening for cystic fibrosis and other conditions, and funding universal dental coverage for children 13 and under. Watch for more details about all these programs in the coming weeks. Governments face many competing priorities, as well as pressures to balance the budget and keep taxes reasonable. When a group of Nova Scotians speaks out as persuasively as you have through this petition, it helps us to build a strong case for investments like this one. I want to thank Tammy MacLaren for spearheading this petition, and you, the signatories, for speaking out on this issue. In a few weeks, Liberal and Conservative MLAs will have an opportunity to vote on this budget, including on the insulin pump program. Please join me in urging them to support this important investment. Again, thank you for taking a stand for children's health. Sincerely, David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness
Denise Peterson-Rafuse
Denise Peterson-Rafuse
Chester - St. Margaret's
Lenora Zann
Lenora Zann
Truro - Bible Hill
Gary Ramey
Gary Ramey
Lunenburg West
Leonard Preyra
Leonard Preyra
Halifax - Citadel
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Petition created on January 21, 2013