What educational programs for diabetes are covered by Medicare and other governmental and private insurance plans? Who qualifies?

What educational programs for diabetes are covered by Medicare and other governmental and private insurance plans? Who qualifies?

Medicare covers the cost of group diabetes education for eligible people with diabetes who fulfill certain criteria. Examples of these include people with newly diagnosed diabetes, poorly controlled diabetes, or the need to change from pills to insulin. Presently, Medicare will support up to 8 hours of diabetes, education
performed in a center that is recognized as qualified.

This means that their educational programs must be certified as meeting the required standard by the American Diabetes Association. A further hour of follow- up education can be provided in the first year to determine the success of the program. Unfortunately, most state medical care programs do not provide significant support for diabetes education, but provide a limited selection of medications and some support materials, such as a particular type of glucose testing meter.

Upon request, most private insurance providers will cover diabetes education upon the same, or similar, conditions. Also, most insurance companies will cover the cost of individual diabetes education by a certified diabetes educator. This includes dietary instruction, use of glucose meters, giving insulin injections, etc. As each healthcare plan varies, specific information on who qualifies is not realistic here, but it is recommended that you contact your healthcare plan to find
out more details.