Insulin pumps are a much bigger conversation than $20 million in savings, said a Calgary dad who helps care for a son with Type-1 Diabetes.

On May 2, Alberta began the end of the Insulin Pump Therapy program, which provides insulin pumps and correlative supplies free of charge to patients.

Insulin pump benefits will be transferred to a government-sponsored health program Aug. 1. The province said those folks getting insulin benefits today will have to get coverage through a government-sponsored health plan or employer/private health plan.

Low-income Albertans will still get the benefits at no charge, the province said.

The province estimates 4,000 Albertans get the benefits, and the program cost has jumped from $9.5 million in 2015 to more than $20 million in 2020-2021. The province estimates that 386,000 Albertans are living with diabetes.

Under the new program, more advanced pumps will be made available.

“Alberta’s government recognizes that Albertans living with diabetes want access to the most innovative equipment available,” said Alberta Health Minister, Jason Copping.

“Having access to the most recent technology will better support them and help them to more effectively manage their condition.”