Diabetes Advocacy Alliance Applauds Proposal Providing Medicare Coverage for National Diabetes Prevention Program

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Diabetes Advocacy Alliance (DAA) applauds Secretary Sylvia Burwell, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) for their proposal today which would expand coverage for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) to eligible Medicare beneficiaries.  The National DPP is an evidence-based lifestyle change program for preventing type 2 diabetes which is led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"The decision announced today by HHS to provide coverage for this important diabetes prevention program is the result of a successful demonstration project led by DAA member, YMCA of the USA," said DAA Co-chair Karin Gillespie, Novo Nordisk Inc.  "Through the project, the YMCA was able to show that an evidence-based prevention program delivered by community-based organizations can lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes and reduce medical costs incurred by Medicare."  Y's in 17 communities delivered the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program to nearly 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries.  Participants had improved health outcomes and each individual enrolled saved Medicare $2,650 over 15 months.

"Half of all Medicare beneficiaries have prediabetes and most don't even know it. Coverage for diabetes prevention has the potential to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in millions of seniors," said DAA Co-chair Meghan Riley, American Diabetes Association.  "It has long been the goal of the American Diabetes Association and the Diabetes Advocacy Alliance to expand access to this effective program, and we are thrilled to hear the results of CMMI's analysis, which found substantial cost-savings."

"The human and economic toll of diabetes is devastating but today's announcement is a huge step forward in our efforts to change the trajectory of this disease," said DAA Co-chair Henry Rodriquez, MD, Pediatric Endocrine Society. "The DAA is committed to working with federal health agencies to educate Medicare patients and providers about the value of the National Diabetes Prevention Program so that seniors at risk of developing diabetes can take steps to prevent or delay its onset."

The DAA is a coalition of 21 diverse members, representing patient, professional and trade associations, other nonprofit organizations, and corporations, all united by the common goal to defeat diabetes. Members of the DAA currently include the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Association of Diabetes Educators, American Clinical Laboratory Association, American Diabetes Association, American Medical Association, American Optometric Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, Diabetes Hands Foundation, Endocrine Society, Healthcare Leadership Council, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, National Community Pharmacists Association, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk Inc., Omada Health, Pediatric Endocrine Society, VSP Vision Care, Weight Watchers International, Inc., and YMCA of the USA.

For more information visit the DAA website at www.diabetesadvocacyalliance.org 

SOURCE Diabetes Advocacy Alliance

Related Links

http://www.diabetesadvocacyalliance.org