Skip to main content

VGM & ASSOCIATESHealthcare MSO

Search GO

Search GO

LEARN ABOUT VGM

New Bipartisan Senate Bill Aims to Improve Access to Diabetes Technology & Education for Medicare Beneficiaries

Published in Government Relations on March 13, 2026

U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), Cochairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, have introduced the Diabetes Interventions Addressing Barriers to Enrollment, Technology, and Education Services (DIABETES) Act, S.4037.

A key provision of this legislation would protect insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) from being included in the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program for the next five years—a critical step to ensure Medicare beneficiaries maintain reliable access to the diabetes technologies they depend on.

In addition to addressing competitive bidding concerns, the DIABETES Act includes important provisions to strengthen diabetes education and ensure smoother transitions to Medicare for individuals already managing the disease.

Read Senator Shaheen and Collins’ press release here.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Five-year exemption from Competitive Bidding
Insulin pumps and CGMs would be excluded from the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program for five years, addressing longstanding concerns that bidding policies could disrupt access to essential and complex diabetes technologies.
Expanded access to diabetes self-management training (DSMT)
The bill builds on previous efforts to improve Medicare coverage for DSMT services delivered by certified diabetes educators—ensuring beneficiaries have access to hands-on support for managing their condition and using advanced technologies such as pumps and CGMs.
Improved continuity of care
The bill seeks to ensure that individuals transitioning into Medicare do not face interruptions in their diabetes treatment or device access during the switch from commercial insurance to Medicare.

Click here to view information on S.4037.

The VGM Government Relations team will be closely monitoring this bipartisan legislation, urging our champions in D.C. to lend their support and sharing updates as it moves through Congress.

Stay tuned as advocacy resources and next steps for DME suppliers will be available soon.

From Our Experts

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee thumbnail

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Full Energy & Commerce Committee Earlier this week, we shared that H.R. 1703 advanced through the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. We are pleased to report that the bill has continued to gain momentum and has now successfully passed out of the full Energy & Commerce Committee unanimously following today's markup.

Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 thumbnail

Important Update: Prior Auth Exemption Process – Deadline Extended to May 26, 2026 CMS has just announced that the deadline to opt out of the prior authorization exemption and continue submitting prior authorization requests has been extended to Tuesday, May 26. This extension only applies to suppliers that received a letter from the DME MACs in early March regarding their prior authorization exemption status.

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee thumbnail

CRT Bill H.R. 1703 Advances Through Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee As announced during the NCART and AAHomecare Legislative Conference last week, H.R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act, was considered and advanced out of the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee. This is a positive step forward for the CRT community.

VGM Government Relations Team Advocates for DME in Washington, D.C. thumbnail

VGM Government Relations Team Advocates for DME in Washington, D.C. VGM Government Relations team members joined industry leaders in Washington, D.C., this week for a series of impactful advocacy events, including the 2026 AAHomecare Legislative Conference, NCART Legislative Conference, and the AAHomecare Payer Relations Council meeting.

BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina thumbnail

BREAKING NEWS: Big Win For DME Industry in North Carolina Congratulations to ACMESA on the passage of a Medicaid funding bill, which provides important stability for DMEPOS providers and the patients they serve.

Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. thumbnail

Invite Your Federal Legislator to the CRT Product Expo in Washington, D.C. During the upcoming NCART/iNRRTS U.S. Rehab Legislative Conference, NCART and U.S. Rehab will host a Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) Product Expo on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C. This Expo is a valuable opportunity for members of Congress and their staff to see firsthand how CRT products impact independence, mobility, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers thumbnail

Network Bidding Opens New Path for Small DMEPOS Suppliers CMS released a new FAQ clarifying that small DMEPOS suppliers may form networks to collectively meet licensure, accreditation, and enrollment requirements for the next round of the Competitive Bidding Program. This guidance creates a new pathway for small suppliers to compete, with additional education and networking support available through VGM initiatives.

VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities thumbnail

VGM Group Highlights Value of DMEPOS Industry and Commends Efforts to Protect Patients and Communities VGM Group continues to underscore the effectiveness and efficiency of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) industry and its critical role across the healthcare continuum. The services and support provided by DMEPOS suppliers not only enhance patient outcomes and strengthen community health, but do so in a cost-effective manner that delivers meaningful savings to the healthcare system.

Give your business an advantage over the competition.

Become a Member