Immigration Status and Time to Accessing Publicly Funded Flash Glucose Monitoring Systems

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Flash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems improve diabetes management by reducing hemoglobin A1c levels and self-monitoring blood glucose needs.
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In Ontario, FGM systems were added to the Ontario Drug Benefit formulary in 2019, providing coverage for eligible insulin-requiring diabetes patients.
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Barriers to accessing FGM systems exist for immigrants, particularly those recently arrived, due to financial constraints and lack of familiarity with the health system.
4

Individuals with lower income levels face additional out-of-pocket costs and information gaps that hinder their access to publicly funded drug programs.
5

The study aimed to investigate the impact of immigration status on the time taken to access FGM systems among eligible Ontario residents.

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