The Dexcom G6 system is now listed on the list of drugs covered by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for people with type 1 diabetes who are two years of age and up, under certain conditions.
What is the Dexcom G6?
The Dexcom G6 is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. Using a sensor, the system measures glucose in the interstitial fluid (the fluid bathing the cells), thus reflecting the measurement of blood glucose. The sensor should be inserted into the abdomen and changed every 10 days. The data measured by the sensor is transmitted every five minutes to a receiver or smart device. Alarms can also be programmed to alert for low or high blood glucose values. The system does not require any calibration, but fingertip blood glucose measurements may still be necessary in some situations.
For more information on the Dexcom G6, visit the company’s website.
Reimbursement criteria
The system is reimbursed by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for people with type 1 diabetes who are two years of age and older and meet one or more of these criteria:
- failure to achieve the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value adapted to the patient, despite optimal management of the disease;
- frequent episodes of hypoglycemia in the past year, despite adherence to a blood glucose management plan;
- inability to recognize or report symptoms of hypoglycemia.
The initial application is authorized for a period of six months, to assess the person’s ability to use the Dexcom G6 and wear the sensor. Requests to continue with the treatment are then authorized for a maximum period of 12 months if the individual demonstrates optimal use of the Dexcom G6, i.e., at least 70% of the time.
How do I get reimbursed?
If a person meets the criteria listed above, their doctor or pharmacist will have to complete a claims form. To download the form (in French only), click here.
Where can I get the Dexcom G6?
People whose claim is accepted by the RAMQ will be able to get the Dexcom G6 at their pharmacy with a prescription from their doctor or pharmacist.
Reimbursement of test strips
People with type 1 diabetes are normally entitled to 3,000 reimbursed test strips per 12-month period. For those who will be reimbursed for the Dexcom G6, the number of strips reimbursed will instead be 100 per 18-month period, with the possibility of obtaining an additional 100 test strips if needed.
For more information, see the list of medications as of May 27, 2021.