Subcommittee hears support for expanding Medicare access to diabetes self‑management training
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Summary
Witnesses and members voiced bipartisan support for H.R. 3826 to broaden Medicare coverage of diabetes self‑management training (DSMT). Proponents described DSMT as a proven tool to improve outcomes and reduce costs; the committee also heard concerns about broader federal public health funding and program cuts.
A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing included testimony backing H.R. 3826, the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self‑Management Training (DSMT) Act, a bipartisan bill intended to broaden Medicare beneficiaries’ access to diabetes education and training.
Why it mattered: Witnesses and members described DSMT as an evidence‑based intervention that teaches patients to manage glucose, use insulin appropriately, and adopt self‑care behaviors that reduce hospitalizations and long‑term complications. Representative Kim Schrier, M.D., a physician and bill sponsor who testified during the hearing, said DSMT helps patients “take better charge of the disease.”
What witnesses said: David Lipschutz of the Center for Medicare Advocacy told the subcommittee he “has no concerns” about the DSMT expansion bill and supports policies that increase access to preventive and chronic‑disease education. Witnesses highlighted DSMT’s association with reduced diabetes‑related complications, improved self‑care, and lower health‑system costs.
Context and related concerns: Members used the DSMT discussion to raise broader public health concerns. Ranking Member Diana DeGette and others noted administration proposals and agency actions they said would reduce funding for preventive programs such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program at CDC; speakers warned those cuts could undermine the broader prevention infrastructure that helps reduce the burden of diabetes.
Next steps: The committee accepted testimony and written questions for the record; no vote occurred. Members indicated they would continue work on the language to assure broader access and coordination with Medicare Advantage plans and community providers.