Advancing Diabetes-Related Equity Through Diabetes Self-Management Education and Training: Existing Coverage Requirements and Considerations for Increased Participation

Underserved communities disproportionately bear the burden of diabetes and associated harms. Diabetes self-management education and training empowers patients to manage their diabetes and can improve health outcomes and reduce medical expenditures. However, participation in diabetes self-management education and training is low; greater access to insurance coverage for this education and training could offer a way to increase participation. The impact of insurance coverage on advancing diabetes-related health equity depends on which types of insurers must cover diabetes self-management education and training and the characteristics of such coverage. This study surveyed coverage requirements for private insurers, Medicaid programs and Medicare, finding that substantial differences exist. The analysis in this study can help public health professionals and decision-makers to recognize patterns and gaps in coverage.