ADA, AMA, YMCA of the USA applaud Medicare Diabetes Prevention Act

CHICAGO — The American Diabetes Association, American Medical Association, and the YMCA of the USA applaud the introduction of the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Act (S. 1131/H.R. 2102). Sponsored by Senator Al Franken (D-MN), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Representative Susan Davis (D-CA) and Representative Peter King (R-NY), the legislation would provide coverage for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) to Medicare beneficiaries at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Avalere Health estimates the legislation will save $1.3 billion over 10 years.

"Currently, half of all Americans age 65 or older have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. In addition, an estimated 10.9 million Americans over age 65 have been diagnosed with diabetes, a figure that will continue to increase if we do not act to prevent diabetes in this population," said David G. Marrero, PhD, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.