The Federal Government has continued its commitment to support diabetes research by providing more than $75 million into the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), which drives forward critical research aimed at curing type 1 diabetes (T1D) and improving the lives of those living with the disease today.

The funding, approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President, extends support for SDP until November 30, 2020. Renewing the SDP is one of JDRF’s top legislative priorities, and countless JDRF advocates have been working diligently for months alongside JDRF staff and with our champions in Congress to achieve this milestone.

Funding through the SDP, which is administered by the National Institutes of Health, complements and expands research driven by JDRF. By leveraging Federal dollars, funding from partners and supporter donations, JDRF accelerates the race to cure T1D and supports everyone living with the disease today.

“We are grateful to Congress and the Administration for continuing to acknowledge and support the critical need to cure T1D, which impacts an increasing number of families every year. We look forward to continuing work to further support the T1D community, including ensuring everyone can access affordable insulin, an especially urgent concern in this economic climate,” said Aaron, J. Kowalski, Ph.D., JDRF President and CEO.

This is the fourth SDP extension passed by Congress since September. This extension was included in the Federal economic relief package created in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The package also included two additional benefits for the T1D community:

• Renewed funding for community health centers, where people can access affordable insulin and other prescriptions. 

• A requirement that Medicare Part D plans provide up to a 90-day supply of prescription medications, including insulin, if requested by a beneficiary during the COVID-19 emergency period. 

For additional resources aimed at supporting access and payment for insulin and other prescriptions visit jdrf.org/costs.

For additional information and resources about COVID-19, including how to stay healthy and be prepared with extra medications and supplies, visit jdrf.org/coronavirus.