About the DSMT Act
This legislation aims to ensure all people with diabetes have access to DSMES/DSMT.
DSMT Act
Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act
The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) Act seeks to improve access to outpatient DSMT services under the Medicare program. We are working with the sponsors in both the House and the Senate to generate co-sponsors for this legislation and advance it through the committee process.
Why is the DSMT Act important?
As diabetes care and education specialists, we know that self-management can be a path to a better quality of life and reduced complications, but barriers within the Medicare DSMT benefit keep some of our most vulnerable older adults from accessing the service.
The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act would reduce barriers and improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to DSMT services.
How the DSMT Act Reduces Barriers & Improves Access
- Allows the initial 10 hours of DSMT during the first year to never expire and remain available until fully utilized.
- Allows additional hours based on medical necessity rather than a hard annual limit.
- Allows DSMT and Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) services to be furnished and billed for on the same day.
- Increases equitable access by removing cost-sharing and deductible requirements.
- Permits all physicians and qualified non-physician practitioners to refer for DSMT services.
- Establishes a Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation demonstration program to test the impact of covering virtual DSMT under the Medicare program.
