Pasco Reporter

WASHINGTON — Ahead of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s hearing on telehealth services, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.-12) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.-01), along with U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the PREVENT DIABETES Act. The legislation works to increase access to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Expanded Model by allowing CDC-recognized virtual suppliers to participate in the program. The PREVENT DIABETES Act will provide access to virtual programs under the MDPP to help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. The MDPP Expanded Model leverages evidence-based interventions to prevent the full onset of type 2 diabetes in at-risk Medicare beneficiaries. Unfortunately, the existing MDPP Expanded Model is currently only available through in-person sessions, making it more difficult for individuals in rural or medically underserved areas to participate in the program.

Congressman Bilirakis expressed, "It is often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is certainly the case with patients who are at high risk for developing diabetes. Through enhanced education, seniors will be empowered with tools they can use to optimize their health, avoid costly complications, and enjoy a better quality of life. This commonsense legislation will facilitate improved patient outcomes and save taxpayer money."

Rep. DeGette, Co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus in the House, highlighted, "Tens of millions of Americans live with either diabetes or prediabetes. Taking on diabetes requires a comprehensive approach to stopping type 2 diabetes before its onset. Our bill makes CDC-recognized diabetes prevention programs more accessible to Medicare beneficiaries at risk of diabetes, particularly those in rural areas and others who may not be able to attend an in-person diabetes prevention program. With a growing number of patients opting for virtual care, our PREVENT DIABETES Act will help more Americans learn about how they can avoid this disease."

Senator Scott emphasized, “Too many South Carolinians in vulnerable communities are struggling to manage diabetes. Our bill aims to expand access to life-saving healthcare options by opening the door to virtual suppliers. We can and must ensure everyone in the Palmetto State—regardless of race, background, or zip code—has the support they deserve to manage their healthcare needs.”

Sen. Warner, speaking from personal experience, stated, “As the father of a Type 1 diabetic, I know how important consistent and reliable care is for patients’ health. This legislation will save lives by expanding access to virtual diabetes prevention programs and help to address racial health disparities among Black and Latino communities, which face higher rates of diabetes.”