OBJECTIVES : This study aimed to estimate potential cost savings to the Nova Scotia Public Pharmacare Program under multiple blood glucose test strip quantity limit models.

METHODS : All blood glucose test strip claims submitted to the Nova Scotia Provincial Pharmacare Program were ascertained for 2014-2017. Cost savings to the provincial pharmacare program were subsequently estimated for the years of study, as well as a 5-year period after the study. Cost savings based on two blood glucose test strip limit models were compared in analyses. Additionally, potential cost savings were applied to patients with cardiovascular disease, where cost savings could be redistributed.

RESULTS : Blood glucose test strips for approximately 24,000 Nova Scotians were covered by the Nova Scotia Provincial Pharmacare program each year from 2014-2017. Blood glucose test strip quantity limits could have reduced reimbursements by $3-9.9 million under the restriction models used. In the cardiovascular disease population specifically, reductions of between $618,880 and $3,862,414 could have been observed.

CONCLUSIONS : In addition to potentially reducing cardiovascular complications, the Nova Scotia healthcare system could save millions of dollars should blood glucose test strip limits be imposed on patients with type 2 diabetes who do not use agents associated with hypoglycemia such as sulfonylureas and insulin.