Press release

from the office of U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler
U.S. Representative Heath Shuler (D-NC) has introduced the Diabetes Prevention Act of 2012 with U.S. Representative Susan Davis (D-CA) to allow Medicare coverage of the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) for beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

“Diabetes is one of the most prevalent and costly chronic diseases facing our nation, but it is also one of the most preventable,” said Rep. Shuler. “The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a proven, effective public-private partnership that will dramatically reduce the incidence of diabetes among our senior citizens. Expanding Medicare coverage to include this program will help us prevent diabetes among this high-risk population and potentially save the federal government billions of dollars.”

Medicare does not currently provide coverage for the National Diabetes Prevention Program. If managed appropriately and effectively, the progression from prediabetes to diabetes can be prevented through programs such as the National DPP, a program endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and implemented through private partnerships and the YMCA. The Diabetes Prevention Act of 2012 would build on the success of this program by providing seniors enrolled in Medicare the tools they need to obtain a healthier lifestyle and prevent future life-threatening conditions.