Ask your members of Congress to expand DSMT access in Medicare!

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Dear [Decision Maker],

As a constituent, I am writing to urge you to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) Act (H.R. 1840, S. 814).

This bill removes barriers that prevent Medicare beneficiaries from accessing DSMT, a benefit allowing those diagnosed with diabetes to seek training on how to effectively self-manage their diabetes and overall health. DSMT includes instruction on eating healthy, being active, monitoring blood sugar, taking medications, and reducing risks for complications.

A 3-year retroactive claims analysis of 4 million covered lives, including 250,000 Medicare beneficiaries, showed an average Medicare cost savings per month/per patient of $135 for those beneficiaries who complete DSMT. Cost savings for inpatient hospital costs was even greater: savings of $160 per month/per patient. DSMT can also delay the onset of serious diabetes complications including kidney disease, heart disease, amputations, and vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. These complications ultimately increase healthcare costs. People with diabetes who participate in DSMT lower their hemoglobin A1C, lose weight, and have improved diabetes knowledge and self-care behaviors.

Expanding access to this critical benefit is sure to result in an even greater cost savings to Medicare, while improving beneficiaries' quality of life.

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Despite the proven benefits of DSMT, only 5 percent of beneficiaries access the benefit under the Medicare program. This legislation makes necessary changes to the DSMT benefit to ensure that more eligible beneficiaries individuals can participate in DSMT.

I hope you will consider signing on as a co-sponsor of the Expanding Access to DSMT Act in the 116th Congress. Please contact me or Kate Thomas, Director of Advocacy at the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) at kthomas@aadenet.org should you have further questions. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important issue impacting Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with diabetes.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]