Collins applauds proposed Medicare coverage of glucose monitors

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) on Oct. 28 applauded a proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand Medicare Part B coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). 

“As the chairman of the Aging Committee, I have heard from numerous seniors who, when transitioning from employer-provided insurance to Medicare, were shocked to learn that the technologies they have relied upon for years to manage their diabetes are no longer covered,” said Sen. Collins, who is also founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus.

If finalized, the CMS proposal would build on Medicare’s 2017 decision to provide coverage for certain CGMs that followed bipartisan advocacy by Sen. Collins and U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

“Following a push Senator Shaheen and I led, Medicare provided coverage for certain continuous glucose monitors in 2017, which transformed the lives of the millions of Americans who rely on these devices to successfully manage diabetes,” said Sen. Collins. “This proposed rule builds on that successful policy by providing better coverage for CGMs to help keep patients healthy and provide relief from high out-of-pocket costs.”

The proposed CMS changes to specific Medicare coverage and payment policies would classify all CGMs as durable medical equipment and establish payment amounts for such items, as well as for related supplies and accessories, according to information provided by Sen. Collins’ office.  

“With one in every three Medicare beneficiaries having diabetes, this proposal would give Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians a wider range of technology and devices to choose from in managing diabetes,” according to CMS. “This proposal will improve access to these medical technologies and empower patients to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves.”