Medicare diabetes self-management services coverage included in budget agreement.

Executive Summary

MEDICARE DIABETES PREVENTION COVERAGE INCLUDED IN BALANCED BUDGET AGREEMENT reached between the White House and Congress. The Medicare budget includes "coverage for diabetes self management," a summary of the agreement states. In addition, negotiators have agreed to pay for expanded mammography coverage, coverage for colorectal screenings and "higher payments to providers for preventive vaccinations to the extent it will lead to greater use by beneficiaries." The agreement calls for spending of "$4 bil. over five years (and $20 bil. over ten years) to limit beneficiary copayments for outpatient services unless there is a more cost-effective way to provide such services to beneficiaries as mutually agreed."