The FreeStyle Libre 2 glucose monitoring system from Abbott is finally covered by RAMQ for some people living with diabetes.
Who is eligible for reimbursement?
People living with type 1 diabetes who are 4 years of age or older;
People 18 years of age or older who inject insulin three or more times a day and who have had frequent episodes of hypoglycemia in the past year, despite following a blood glucose control plan.
Individuals who are already being reimbursed for FreeStyle Libre by RAMQ do not need to take any steps, as they are automatically reimbursed for FreeStyle Libre 2 (FSL 2).
However, new individuals who wish to be reimbursed for FSL 2 and who meet the above eligibility criteria must ask their physician or pharmacist to complete the electronic form available on the RAMQ website.
What is the difference between Freestyle Libre 2 and Freestyle Libre?
Visually, the Freestyle Libre 2 is essentially the same. The sensors also have the same life span, 14 days.
The major difference is the ability to program three optional customizable glucose monitoring alarms: a low glucose alarm, a high glucose alarm and a loss of signal alarm. These alarms are programmable via the meter or the Freestyle Libre 2 smartphone app. The system measures blood glucose in the interstitial fluid every minute to see if an alarm should be transmitted.
The Freestyle Libre 2 is indicated for use in children 4 years and older and adults living with diabetes, unlike the first version which was only indicated for adults in Canada.
Read the official Abbott press release.
To learn more about Freestyle Libre 2, visit the Abbott website.