U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) on March 10 cosponsored bipartisan legislation aimed at improving access to diabetes technologies for Medicare beneficiaries and preventing disruptions in care for patients transitioning into the federal program.
“Delays or disruptions in coverage of diabetes technologies can cause a decline in patient health, particularly for those enrolling in Medicare,” Sen. Collins said. “Our bipartisan legislation would streamline coverage for insulin pumps while expanding diabetes education and training for patients and providers, improving care for those managing this disease.”
The measure, called the Diabetes Interventions Addressing Barriers to Enrollment, Technology and Education Services Act, or DIABETES Act, S. 4037, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who co-chairs the Senate Diabetes Caucus with Sen. Collins, seeks to streamline coverage for diabetes technology and expand education and training for patients and providers under Medicare.
The lawmakers say the legislation responds to growing demand for diabetes technology education and aims to prevent gaps in coverage that can occur when patients enroll in Medicare.
The bill also includes a provision that would exempt insulin pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services competitive bidding process for five years.
“Diabetes is a lifelong illness that requires constant monitoring and treatment — and yet, too many patients experience disruptions in care or lack the training and technology to adequately manage it,” said Sen. Shaheen. “Americans living with diabetes should not have to jump through hoops to access life-saving care.”
Several health organizations have endorsed the bill, including the American Diabetes Association, the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, the Diabetes Leadership Council, the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition and the Diabetes Technology Access Coalition.
S. 4037 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee for consideration.