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.