FreeStyle Libre 2 coverage in Ontario

Is the FreeStyle Libre 2 system covered in Ontario?

Yes! The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for Ontario residents who manage their diabetes with insulin.

Am I eligible for coverage?

You are eligible for coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system if you:

  • have diabetes that you’re managing with insulin
  • qualify to join the ODB program (see more on this below)
  • have a valid prescription for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system from a physician or nurse practitioner  

Visit the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) website to learn more.

What is covered?

Coverage includes the FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensors and reader.

Are there any limitations I should know about?

If you qualify for coverage, you are eligible for a maximum quantity of 33 sensors over the course of a 365-day period (don’t forget that one sensor lasts for up to 14 days).

Visit the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) website to learn more.

How do I get reimbursed for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system?

First, talk to your healthcare professional to get a prescription. If you qualify for reimbursement under the ODB program, your claim for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system will be processed like any other claim at the local pharmacy.

Are there any out-of-pocket costs?

Under the ODB program, you may need to pay a deductible or co-payment, depending on your age and circumstances. To learn more, visit the ODB program website.

What is the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program?

The ODB program is Ontario’s public drug funding program, offering coverage for certain medications and medical devices to eligible residents (see more on eligibility below). Depending on income and circumstances, ODB recipients may need to pay:

  • A $100 annual deductible, and
  • A co-payment of up to $6.11 per prescription toward the dispensing fee.

For seniors, additional financial assistance is available. Low-income seniors or senior couples with incomes below certain thresholds may qualify for the Seniors Co-Payment Program, which reduces co-payments to $2 per prescription and waives the annual deductible. Learn more about the Seniors Co-Payment Program here.

Who can qualify for the ODB program?

You qualify for the ODB program if you have a valid Ontario health card AND you are:

  • 65 years of age or older
  • Under 65 years of age and living in a:
    • long-term care home;
    • home for special care; or
    • community home for opportunity
  • 24 years of age or younger and not covered by a private insurance plan
  • Receiving professional home and community care services
  • Receiving benefits from Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program
  • Enrolled in the Trillium Drug Program, which provides access to the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for individuals who:
    • Spend a significant portion of their household income (approximately 4% or more after taxes) on prescription drugs;
    • Do not already qualify for other ODB plans (e.g., seniors, Ontario Works recipients); and
    • Do not have private insurance that covers 100% of prescription drug costs.
    • The Trillium Drug Program offers coverage for approximately 5,000 prescription drugs available under ODB, plus additional medications through the Exceptional Access Program (if specific criteria are met).

    Learn more about the Trillium Drug Program here.

Can I get reimbursed by the ODB program if I’ve already paid for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system?

If you qualify for the ODB program and already paid for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, you can submit your receipts online through the ODB Program Receipt Submission Form, available here.

You will need to have:

  • your Ontario Health card number
  • a copy of the official prescription receipt issued by the pharmacy and signed by a pharmacist

For more information on what you need to get reimbursed, visit the ODB program website.

Where can I find more information on the ODB program?

Visit the ODB program website to learn more.

Not sure if you're covered?

Talk to your pharmacist or check with your private plan administrator to see if you’re eligible for coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in people aged 4 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.
 
The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is indicated for measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels in adults aged 18 years and older with diabetes mellitus. Always read and follow the label/insert.