Bill to Expand Access to DSMT Introduced to Congress on May 22, 2018.

On May 10th, Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO) introduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act (HR 5768) to Congress. You may read the full text of the bill here. 

HR 5768 will significantly increase Medicare beneficiaries’ access to DSMT services by:

• Expanding access to DSMT services by permitting physicians and qualified non-physician practitioners who are not directly involved in managing an individual’s diabetes to refer them for DSMT services.
• Allowing the initial 10 hours of training during the first year to remain available until used and allowing 6 additional hours of DSMT services during the year in which the initial 10 hours are used.
• Allowing 6 additional hours of DSMT each year after the initial 10 hours are used.
• Removing the restriction related to coverage of DSMT and Medical Nutrition Therapy services furnished on the same day.
• Excluding DMST services from Part B cost-sharing and deductible requirements.
• Revising the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual to allow DSMT services to be furnished in a community-based location.
• Establishing a 2-year demonstration of virtual DSMT, potentially paving the way for future Medicare coverage of virtual DSMT services.

HR 5768 cannot pass without your help! Click here to send a letter to your congressional representative urging them to support and become a co-sponsor of HR 5768. 

Take action on HR 5768 today!