Wenatchee Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) introduced HR 3842 - Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act with Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA), and David Schweikert (R-AZ). 

The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act will: 

• Allow the initial 10 hours of diabetes self-management training (DSMT) to remain available until fully used. 
• Permit DSMT and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services to be provided on the same day. 
• Exclude DSMT services from Part B cost-sharing and deductible requirements. 
• Permit physicians and qualified nonphysician practitioners (e.g., podiatrists, emergency department providers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists) working in coordination with a treating physician or qualified nonphysician to refer for DSMT services. 
• Establish a Center for Medicare Innovation demonstration program to test the impact of covering virtual DSMT under the Medicare program.

"As someone who has managed my own Type-1 Diabetes for almost 40 years, I understand the importance of education in managing this disease. Without proper understanding of the roles of insulin, food, exercise, and illness on blood sugar, people with diabetes can quickly end up in the hospital," said Rep. Schrier. “We know that self-management training helps people with diabetes live healthy lives and stay out of the hospital, and I am proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to introduce this important bill and remove barriers to self-management training.”  

“Research has proven that education and prevention are critical keys for improving patient outcomes and avoiding costly complications that often stem from this chronic illness- especially when it is not properly managed,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “By providing diabetes patients with these self-management resources they will be empowered to take control of their own health and well-being, and we can help mitigate the negative impact this disease has on them and their families.” 

“With nearly one-third of all American adults now living with diabetes or prediabetes, ensuring people have the tools and resources they need to manage this disease must be a top priority,” said Rep. DeGette. “By expanding some of our most vital diabetes self-management programs to make them more accessible to more people, this legislation will empower patients to better manage this disease on their own, allowing them to live happier, healthier lives and reducing further strain on our nation’s health care system.”   

“More than 738,000 Hoosiers live with all forms of diabetes, including type 1, type 2 and gestational. As a doctor, I know just how critical it is that those with the disease have the tools and resources they need to manage their condition and live a healthy lifestyle,” said Rep. Bucshon. “I am proud to introduce the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act to help Hoosiers in the Medicare program have the ability and means to take control of their lives with self-management services.” 

"Millions of Americans have diabetes, and we must ensure that they have the necessary tools to lead healthy and full lives,” said Rep. DelBene. “This legislation is a critical step toward lowering costs, minimizing complications, and improving overall health outcomes for people with diabetes under Medicare.”   

“As a Type 2 diabetic myself, I know that diabetes self-management training is an important tool for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition and live healthier, more fulfilled lives,” said Rep. Kelly. “Too often, seniors in the Medicare program don't have access to the same tools as individuals on private insurance. This bill will close that gap for diabetes self-management, and I'm proud to be co-leading along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.” 

"As a physician, I've treated patients in the emergency department whose insulin levels fluctuated to life-threatening levels," said Rep. Ruiz, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. "The millions of Americans living with diabetes deserve access to education and disease management that can help them live healthy, productive lives. I am proud to cosponsor this common-sense legislation, which will empower patients to effectively manage their diabetes." 

"I'm convinced that we live in a society of miracles, and every day we see more progress in treatments for those living with diabetes,” said Rep. Schweikert. “Roughly one-third of all health care spending in the United States is diabetes-related, and as a moral society we must do everything in our power to encourage health care innovation that gives patients access to the tools they need to live healthy, productive lives. This bipartisan legislation eliminates barriers to diabetes self-management and allows patients living with diabetes to receive the resources to properly manage their diabetes care.”

“The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) applauds the sponsors of the Expanding Access to DSMT Act for introducing legislation that would improve access to diabetes care and education for Medicare beneficiaries,” said ADCES President Lucille Hughes, DNP, CDCES, BC-ADM. “DSMT services help individuals with diabetes improve their health and reduce complications which in turn can decrease health care costs. Improving access to and utilization of this evidence-based benefit is critical for addressing health equity.” 

 “The American Diabetes Association (ADA) appreciates the introduction of the ‘Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2023.’ The ADA’s Standards of Care includes information on how positive health behaviors and the maintenance of psychological well-being are foundational for achieving diabetes treatment goals and maximizing quality of life,” said Dr. Robert Gabbay, ADA’s Chief Scientific and Medical Officer. “Essential to achieving these goals is facilitating behavior change to improve health outcomes through diabetes self-management education and support. It is critical for Medicare beneficiaries to have access to high quality DSMES through the DSMT benefit, in order to achieve better patient self-management, satisfaction, and glucose results.”  

Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act was also introduced by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME). This legislation is a priority of the Diabetes Advocacy Alliance, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Diabetes Association, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Diabetes Leadership Council, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Endocrine Society, National Kidney Foundation, Omada Health, Inc., and more. 

Original source can be found here.