The Assistive Device Program (ADP) is a program from the Ontario Ministry of Health that provides financial support for insulin pumps and insulin pump supplies.
To qualify for the funding, you need to:
- Have Type 1 diabetes.
- Have a valid Ontario address and valid Health Card Number.
- Adjust basal / bolus (long acting / mealtime) insulin for at least 1 year.
- Be able to assess and adjust your insulin according to blood glucose, carbohydrate count, correction doses, and manage sick days.
- Be willing to meet with your diabetes team 3 times a year.
- Have participated in a pre-assessment pump class or visit with your team (RN/RD).
What is the funding?
- The program will cover 100% of the cost of a new pump and an upgrade every 5 years only if the existing pump is broken.
- The program will give you $2,400.00 per year to cover the cost of insulin pump supplies only.
- This does not include the cost of blood glucose test strips and insulin.
- The usual yearly cost of pump supplies is: $3,000 to $3600 per year ($250 to $300 per month).
- It may cost more if you buy accessories or use more supplies over time.
- This grant must be renewed yearly. You will receive a form to be completed by your Endocrinologist.
- You will need to keep all the original receipts for your pump supplies for 2 years. ADP may ask you at any time to validate your expenses.
Can the funding be stopped?
Yes. When you are using an insulin pump, you need to continue to meet the above conditions, or the ADP funding will be stopped.
What can I do to get the funding?
You need to be referred to an ADP authorized center like ours.
Work closely with your endocrinologist and diabetes team.
Test your blood glucose 4 times per day or wear a flash glucose meter/CGM.
Be able to count carbohydrates, adjust insulin for your level of activity, and when you are sick.
Enroll in an insulin pump class and have a pre-assessment for insulin pump.
Be committed to attending 3 clinic visits or more a year.
What is involved in learning and starting the insulin pump once I qualify?
You must have two learning sessions at our center. The first session can last 1 to 2 hours to practice programming and wearing the insulin pump. You can practice wearing it using normal saline (salt water). The second session can take 3 to 4 hours. This is the day you use insulin in the pump and actually wear it from here on.
We review how to adjust your pump program and check your blood glucose often to make sure that the initial program is safe before you go home.
What is the usual wait time to start the pump?
Once you meet all the conditions, the application for ADP funding can be completed and the wait time for the insulin pump practice and insulin pump start is approximately 2 to 4 months.
Useful links
Diabetes equipment and supplies (Ontario Government)
ADP application forms for insulin pumps and supplies (Government of Ontario)