Council supports Province dropping Age Cap for Insulin Pumps

District 4 Coun. Mary Elliott said other provinces have eliminated the age cap and she wants Nova Scotia to do the same. The insulin pump is a small computer that delivers insulation throughout the day or when additional doses are needed.

“Six provinces and two territories have eliminated the age cap already,” she said. “Once the age of 25 is reached some Nova Scotians are paying up to $8,000 to replace this pump.”

Coun. Elliott said this age cap adds stress to the life of young Nova Scotians who are already under pressure to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to manage the disease. She said the cap could also cause some young people to move away to other provinces where the pumps are funded.

Council agreed to send a letter of support for the removal of the age cap to the Province’s Minister of Health as well as local MLAs for consideration.