Today, Breakthrough T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, submitted comments on a recent rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding implementation of Medicaid’s community engagement requirement. As the new requirements are implemented, Breakthrough T1D wants to ensure that no eligible Medicaid enrollees with T1D have their access mistakenly delayed or denied due to unclear or inconsistent guidance. The organization issued the following statement detailing our comments:
Breakthrough T1D is committed to making everyday life better for everyone living with type 1 diabetes. We are concerned that, without further guidance, this rule could inadvertently delay or deny essential medical services to eligible Medicaid enrollees with T1D. Our concerns largely fall into two categories. First, that the rule should clearly and consistently recognize qualifying complications and hospitalizations from T1D as grounds for exemption from the community engagement requirement. Second, clear, yet flexible guidance is needed for clinicians to make determinations about T1D exemptions, given the national shortage and poor geographic distribution of endocrinologists. We encourage these issues to be addressed before implementation to avoid unintended consequences.
Our comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reflect our commitment to ensuring that policies meet the needs of the T1D community. We thank CMS leadership for the opportunity to provide our input and will continue working to ensure people living with T1D have access to the care they need.