A letter from the American Diabetes Association in regards to some legislative issues addressed in the State of the Union Speech:
Dear Diabetes Advocate,
During last night’s State of the Union speech, President George W. Bush covered a variety of domestic and international concerns. In terms of how they relate to people with diabetes, President Bush addressed some matters that the American Diabetes Association would like to bring to your attention.. As Congress works over the next few months on these issues, it is very important that diabetes advocates understand the impact they have on their lives and communicate with their elected officials about them.
Medicare Prescription Drug Legislation
What the President said…
“Beginning next year, seniors [on Medicare] will have new coverage for preventive screenings against diabetes and heart disease, and seniors just entering Medicare can receive wellness exams.”
What this means for people with diabetes…
The Medicare Prescription Drug Legislation that Congress passed last November provides for diabetes diagnostic screenings of seniors in the Medicare program who are at risk for the disease. Before the bill was passed, it was illegal for doctors to do this. In addition, the new legislation provides that all new entrants to Medicare will also receive a “Welcome to Medicare Physical”, which includes diabetes self-management training, medical nutrition therapy and diabetes screening tests.
Association Health Plans
What the President said…
“To make insurance more affordable, Congress must act to address rapidly rising health care costs. Small businesses should be able to band together and negotiate for lower insurance rates so they can cover more workers with health insurance. I urge you to pass Association Health Plans.”
What this means for people with diabetes…
It is the Association’s position that, as currently drafted, Association Health Plans (AHPs) will adversely affect people with diabetes. Under the proposed legislation, companies that join AHPs are not subject to state regulations, including those that require coverage for specific diseases like diabetes. Currently, 46 states in the country are required to cover diabetes supplies, equipment and education. If the AHP legislation is successful — and last year it passed the House but did not receive a vote in the Senate — the health and well being of people with diabetes who work for smaller companies is at risk. Furthermore, two independent and non-partisan studies have shown that AHPs will not significantly decrease the number of uninsured people in the United States. We urge you to contact your senators in opposition to AHPs.
No Child Left Behind Act
What the President said…
“Some want to undermine the No Child Left Behind Act by weakening standards and accountability…I refuse to give up on any child. And the No Child Left Behind Act is opening the door of opportunity to all of America’s children.”
What this means for people with diabetes…
The Association does not support or oppose the No Child Left Behind Act as a whole, but we are concerned that in its implementation the Act has unintentionally hurt some children with diabetes.
As it is now, many schools use the Drug Free School Zone requirements under the Act to prohibit students with diabetes from keeping their insulin and insulin delivery systems with them during the school day. Legislation is currently pending in the House of Representatives (HR 3178) that will amend the Act so that schools that receive Drug Free School Grants may not implement policies that keep children with diabetes from their diabetes supplies. You can take action on this legislation today.
The American Diabetes Association will continue to keep you abreast of legislation in Congress that will impact people with diabetes. We encourage you to take action on these issues by sending e-mails and faxes, making phone calls, or even attending the 2004 Call to Congress: Conquer Diabetes in Washington, DC, from May 5th - 7th.
Sincerely,
Your Advocacy Team at the American Diabetes Association
