Alberta provides coverage for continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) through Alberta Blue Cross for eligible Alberta residents with diabetes who are using insulin therapy. Coverage is available through government-sponsored health benefit programs for both children and adults who meet specific insulin therapy requirements.
To learn more about which CGM systems are available across Canada, visit Our Guide to Continuous Glucose Monitors in Canada.
Alberta Blue Cross provides CGM coverage through government-sponsored health benefit programs for Alberta residents with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who use insulin. To qualify, you must be enrolled in one of the eligible programs and meet the insulin therapy requirements below:
To qualify for CGM coverage under any of these programs, you must meet one of the following insulin therapy criteria:
For children and youth under 18 years of age: You must require the ongoing use of any insulin therapy OR insulin pump therapy.
For adults 18 years of age and older: You must require the ongoing use of insulin pump therapy, OR a basal and bolus insulin regimen, OR a premixed insulin. You must also be an Alberta resident with valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage. Alberta Blue Cross will verify your insulin use through your prescription claims history.
Alberta Blue Cross covers continuous glucose monitoring systems that provide glucose readings to help manage diabetes. Coverage includes both real-time CGM systems that automatically send readings and flash glucose monitoring systems.
Currently approved real-time CGM systems include:
These devices meet Health Canada safety standards and are appropriate for people with diabetes who use insulin therapy.
What Alberta Blue Cross covers:
Coverage limits per benefit year:
What Alberta Blue Cross does not cover:
👉 For the most current approved devices and coverage details, visit the Alberta Interactive Drug Benefit List or contact Alberta Blue Cross at 1-800-661-6995.
The application process requires a prescription from your healthcare provider and enrollment in an eligible Alberta Blue Cross government-sponsored program.
Step 1: Confirm your program enrollment
Verify that you are enrolled in one of the eligible government-sponsored health benefit programs listed above. If you are not currently enrolled, contact Alberta Blue Cross or visit the Alberta government website to learn about program eligibility and how to apply.
Step 2: Obtain a prescription
Your physician, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist can provide a prescription for the CGM system most appropriate for your diabetes management. The prescription should specify the device and required supplies.
Step 3: Submit and wait for approval
For Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre products, take your prescription to your local pharmacy. Your pharmacist will submit your claim to Alberta Blue Cross and process coverage according to your benefit plan. No special authorization form is required for Dexcom or FreeStyle Libre products. For Medtronic CGM products, adults 18 years of age and older require special authorization. Your prescriber will need to complete a special authorization request form, which can be obtained from Alberta Blue Cross or through the Alberta Interactive Drug Benefit List.
Step 4: Receive your CGM system
Once your claim is processed, you will receive your CGM system and supplies according to the coverage limits for your benefit year. The benefit year for diabetes supplies, including CGMs, runs from July 1 to June 30. Coverage continues as long as you remain enrolled in your Alberta Blue Cross government-sponsored program and continue to meet the insulin therapy requirements. Alberta Blue Cross reviews prescription claims history to verify ongoing insulin use.
You must renew your ADP coverage every two years by confirming with your DEP that you continue to meet eligibility criteria. To maintain coverage, you must wear your CGM at least 70 percent of the time and continue regular follow-up with your diabetes care team.
👉 For information about specific program enrollment, visit the appropriate program page on the Alberta government website or contact Alberta Blue Cross at 1-800-661-6995.
Non-Group Coverage: This program is available to all Alberta residents under 65 years of age who are registered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. A monthly premium is charged, with subsidies available for lower-income households. Coverage starts on the first day of the fourth month after your application is received. To learn more or apply, visit Non-Group Coverage on the Alberta government website.
Coverage for Seniors: Alberta residents 65 years of age and older are eligible for this premium-free program, which provides coverage for prescription drugs and other health-related services not covered under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan.
Alberta Adult Health Benefit: This program covers health benefits for Albertans in low-income households who are pregnant or have high ongoing prescription drug needs. You may also be eligible if you are leaving the Income Support or AISH programs due to employment income. Your total net household income must fall below specific guidelines based on family size.
Alberta Child Health Benefit: This program provides health benefits for children in low-income families. Families qualify based on income assessed by the Canada Revenue Agency.
For other government-sponsored programs such as Income Support, AISH, and Child and Family Services, eligibility is determined by Alberta Human Services. Contact Alberta Human Services or your social worker for more information about these programs.
If you are not enrolled in an eligible government-sponsored program, there are other ways to access CGM technology.
Private insurance: Many employer and private insurance plans provide coverage for CGM systems, including both real-time CGM and flash glucose monitoring. Eligibility criteria and coverage limits vary by policy. Check with your insurance provider for device coverage details.
Out-of-pocket costs: You can purchase CGM systems directly without insurance. Costs vary by device and usually include the transmitter and reader if needed, plus ongoing sensor costs that generally range from $250 to $400 per month.
Alberta Blue Cross Non-Group Coverage: If you do not currently have government-sponsored coverage, you may be eligible to purchase Non-Group Coverage through Alberta Blue Cross. This program is available to all Alberta residents under 65 years of age. A monthly premium applies, with subsidies available for lower-income households. Once enrolled and if you meet the insulin therapy requirements, you will have access to CGM coverage.
Staying connected with your diabetes care team and managing your supply refills is essential for successful CGM use. The Endor Health app supports ongoing communication with your care team so questions about your CGM data or therapy can be addressed promptly. The app also provides convenient home delivery of insulin, prescription items, and CGM sensors at no added cost, helping reduce the risk of missed refills or last-minute pharmacy visits.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult with your diabetes care team before making changes to your diabetes management.
