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Congress·In Committee

New Bill Proposes Expanding Medicare Coverage for Online Diabetes Prevention Programs

PREVENT DIABETES Act

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • This bill would allow Medicare to pay for online programs designed to help people avoid developing type 2 diabetes. Right now, these programs are usually done in person, but this would let seniors participate from home using a computer or smartphone.
  • The change is meant to help people who cannot easily travel to a doctor's office, such as those living in rural areas. It would also allow health coaches to work with patients even if they live in a different state.
  • The policy would remove the current limit on how many times a person can join the program. This ensures that if someone needs extra help or a second chance at the program to stay healthy, Medicare will continue to cover it.
  • If this becomes law, the new rules would begin on January 1, 2026, and last until at least the end of 2030. All online programs would still have to meet strict federal quality and safety standards to be eligible for payment.
HealthcareTechnology Digital

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 24, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Feb 24, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

3 articles
Fierce Healthcare·29 days ago

Virtual diabetes prevention programs secure Medicare coverage

Congress passed the PREVENT DIABETES Act as part of a $1.2 trillion budget package, extending the ability for digital health companies to participate in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program through 2029. The law allows seniors to access lifestyle education online and participate more than once.

C+
HLTH·26 days ago

Virtual Diabetes Prevention Programs Secure Medicare Coverage

A provision in the federal budget package signed this week significantly expands access to virtual diabetes prevention for Medicare beneficiaries. The PREVENT DIABETES Act recognizes virtual-only providers as eligible suppliers, enabling synchronous classes and remote weight reporting.

+
Health Affairs·over 4 years ago

Medicare Diabetes Prevention: Enrollment Short Of Projections

Republicans and Democrats are cosponsoring the Prevent Diabetes Act to let CDC-certified virtual providers participate in Medicare. The program has languished due to in-person requirements, with fewer than 5,000 beneficiaries enrolled compared to 500,000 in private-sector programs.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

PREVENT DIABETES Act

Bill NumberHR 1523
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)
D: 3R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.