Palmetto State News

On April 10, 2024, U.S. Senators Tim Scott and Mark Warner, alongside Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Diana DeGette, introduced the PREVENT DIABETES Act during the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on telehealth services. The legislation aims to increase access to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Expanded Model by allowing CDC-recognized virtual suppliers to participate in the program.

Senator Scott emphasized the importance of the bill in addressing healthcare disparities, stating, "Too many South Carolinians in vulnerable communities are struggling to manage diabetes." Senator Warner, drawing from personal experience as a father, highlighted the potential impact of the legislation in saving lives and addressing racial health disparities among minority communities.

Rep. Bilirakis underscored the significance of preventive care, stating, "It is often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." He emphasized how the legislation would empower seniors with tools to optimize their health and improve patient outcomes while saving taxpayer money.

Rep. DeGette, Co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, highlighted the widespread impact of diabetes, stating, "Tens of millions of Americans live with either diabetes or prediabetes." She emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to preventing type 2 diabetes and expanding access to CDC-recognized diabetes prevention programs.

The PREVENT DIABETES Act seeks to address the limitations of the current MDPP Expanded Model, which is only available through in-person sessions, making it challenging for individuals in rural or medically underserved areas to participate. Senators Scott and Warner have been advocating for the expansion of the program, including through virtual platforms, to ensure broader access to preventive care for at-risk Medicare beneficiaries.

Senator Scott's continuous efforts to promote healthcare accessibility led to the introduction of the PREVENT DIABETES Act, aiming to provide more Americans, especially those in underserved communities, with the support they need to manage their healthcare needs effectively.