This bill makes it easier for people with diabetes to get training and education about managing their condition through Medicare. Right now, Medicare covers some diabetes self-management training, but the coverage is limited and can be hard to access. This bill removes those barriers.

Here's what changes: First, Medicare will now cover an initial 10 hours of diabetes education classes (either one-on-one or in groups) that you can use whenever you need them, plus 2 additional hours every year after that. If your doctor says you need more training beyond those hours because it's medically necessary, Medicare will cover that too. Second, the bill allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide this training, not just doctors, which means more people in more places can offer these services. Third, Medicare will pay 100 percent of the cost for these services starting in 2027, and you won't have to pay your deductible for them.

The bill also requires Medicare to test virtual diabetes training—classes you can take online from home—to see if it helps people manage their diabetes better, reduces hospital visits, and saves money. This test will start by January 2026 and will look at whether online training works especially well for people in rural areas or communities that don't have easy access to in-person classes. Overall, the goal is to make sure more people with diabetes can afford and access the education they need to stay healthy.

Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2025

Shaheen, Jeanne

Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2025This bill expands Medicare coverage of diabetes outpatient self-management training. Specifically, the bill specifies that in addition to physicians, other health care practitioners may also provide such services. It also specifies that coverage includes an initial 10 hours of training until used, as well as an additional 2 hours of training per year. The bill also prohibits the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services from limiting training that is deemed medically necessary.&nbsp;Additionally, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation must test a model in which such training is provided virtually and evaluate any effects on costs, services, and health outcomes.