S. 626 and H.R. 3612
This legislation has been introduced in the US Senate and House for the 2005-2006 session. The intent of these bills is to increase access to DSMT for Medicare patients, under Medicare Part B. Under this legislation, CDE’s would be recognized as providers and would be reimbursed through Medicare. Grassroots advocacy is key to moving this legislation out of committee and through the legislative process. CDE’s in every States must lobby their US Representatives and Senators, in order to initiate interest in passage of S. 626 and H.R. 3612. In the post-9/11 world, letters are seen by legislators as the least favorable form of communication; e-mails or faxes are preferred. If your US Senator or Congressperson is in the local area when Congress is in recess, it would be advantageous to set up a meeting; a meeting with the Legislative Assistant may be just as effective as meeting with the Congressperson directly.
Some “Talking Points” in communicating about S. 626/H.R. 3612 are:
- No group is opposing this legislation; no one can argue against the need for Diabetes Education.
- Only about 30% of Medicare patients are currently receiving DSMT.
- Medicare Part B is now paying for MNT by Registered Dietitians; this benefit should be extended to CDE’s.
- If you have a personal story about a patient needing access to diabetic education, include that in your correspondance with your legislators.
Keep checking the AADE Web site for updates and legislative “Calls to Action”. www.diabeteseducator.org
ACTION ALERT: Email your US Senator and US Congressperson and ask them to co-sponsor this legislation.
