The coverage expansion comes through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. It now enables any client managing diabetes with insulin to access the standard of care.
Dexcom said its G6 CGM is now at its most accessible point ever under the NIHB program. It marks the highest degree of diabetes management possible for First Nations and Inuit peoples. According to the company, the expansion brings people in Canada one step closer to accessing the technology they need.
“The Non-Insured Health Benefits program ensures that First Nations and Inuit peoples across the country have accessible health benefits and coverage for critical diabetes supports,” said Dr. Jeff Winterstein, an Edmonton-based internal medicine specialist who works with many NIHB clients.
This expansion in Canada follows a major Medicare coverage win in the U.S. for Dexcom and CGM makers alike. Earlier this year, the company had another Canadian coverage win, too. Dexcom said in March that all people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Manitoba, Canada, meet eligibility criteria for its G6 CGM.
“In line with the impressive coverage expansion from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the United States, NIHB’s decision to expand coverage for real-time CGM to any client using insulin is a crucial sign of forward motion within Canada’s healthcare system and will pave the way for improved health and quality of life outcomes,” said André Côté, VP and GM of Dexcom Canada. “We are thrilled that more First Nations and Inuit peoples will gain access to Dexcom G6 and benefit from its transformative features, which is the standard of care for every person living with diabetes.”
About the Dexcom G6
The Dexcom G6 features a small, wearable sensor and transmitter that continuously measures glucose. It transmits glucose levels wirelessly to a smart device or receiver. The system enables patients to evaluate real-time data without scanning or pricking their finger routinely.
Dexcom’s system offers customizable and predictive alerts and an urgent low alarm to help avoid hypoglycemic events. The G6 app also allows patients to share glucose information with up to 10 followers. Dexcom said it allows family, loved ones and healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients.
Health Canada approved the G6 for people with diabetes ages two and up in early 2019. It’s remained one of the leading CGM systems around the world since its introduction. The next-generation Dexcom G7 received U.S. FDA approval in December 2022 but has yet to receive Canadian authorization.
Dexcom G6 also offers connectivity through integrations with insulin delivery systems and digital health apps.
