JDRF applauds a new proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that will expand coverage of important diabetes management devices. If finalized, this proposed regulation, which was released on October 27, 2020, will expand Medicare coverage to all FDA-authorized continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) beginning April 1, 2021. Currently, CMS only covers therapeutic CGMs, those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make insulin dosing decisions. This expansion will mean that people in the Medicare program living with diabetes will have more choice in the type of CGMs they use. CGM technology can be an integral component of artificial pancreas systems and important on its own to significantly improve diabetes management and enable users to avoid potential crises and risks for long-term complications.

JDRF is heartened by this proposed change as it has long advocated for coverage, affordability and choice of all therapies to help ensure people with T1D have what they need to survive. This is another example of the advancements that JDRF has been able to achieve for the T1D community through our advocacy efforts and we will continue to work to ensure that people living with T1D benefit from the full range of technology innovation.

CMS will be accepting public comment on this proposed rule, which in addition to classifying all FDA-authorized CGMs as eligible for coverage includes operational matters such as Medicare fee schedules determining payment for CGMs and their supplies and accessories. JDRF will be examining the details of the rule more closely in the coming weeks to develop its formal comments to the agency.