Medicare Diabetes Reform

Medicare Diabetes Reform

MEDICARE DIABETES REFORM!

A number of changes in Medicare take
effect on July 1, 1998. Some of them are highly significant to diabetics. All
of them are positive. First, the old requirement that one had to be insulin-using
to receive coverage for glucose monitors and test strips has been eliminated.
Type 2 diabetics will now receive equal coverage. Second, Medicare will reimburse
certified providers who offer diabetes education services in outpatient settings,
if those settings meet Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) quality standards.
Previously, only diabetes education delivered within a hospital setting has
been covered.

Other changes in budget legislation, that take

effect at the same time, provide $300 million in new research funding, half to type 1

diabetes research and half to the Indian Health Services.

If you have diabetes, and are currently
eligible for Medicare assistance, or think you might be, contact your local
Social Security office, or call their national number: 1-800-772-1213, and discuss
the new regulations with them.

You may find your coverage has improved.