Special Diabetes Program funding extended

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The Federal Government has continued its commitment to support diabetes research by allocating more than $75 million to the Special Diabetes ProgramĀ (SDP), which drives forward critical research aimed at curing type 1 diabetes (T1D) and improving the lives of those living with the disease today.

The funding, approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President, extends support for SDP until November 30, 2020.Ā Renewing the SDP is one of Breakthrough T1Dā€™s top legislative priorities,Ā and countlessĀ Breakthrough T1D advocates have been workingĀ diligentlyĀ for monthsĀ alongside Breakthrough T1D staff andĀ with our championsĀ in CongressĀ to achieve this milestone.

Funding through the SDP, which is administered by the National Institutes of Health,Ā complementsĀ and expands research driven by Breakthrough T1D. By leveragingĀ FederalĀ dollars, funding from partners and supporter donations, Breakthrough T1D accelerates the race to cure T1D and supportsĀ everyone living with the disease today.

ā€œWe are grateful to Congress and the Administration for continuing to acknowledge and support the critical need to cure T1D, which impacts an increasing number of families every year. We look forward to continuing work to further support the T1D community, including ensuring everyone can access affordable insulin, an especially urgent concern in this economic climate,ā€ said Aaron, J. Kowalski, Ph.D., Breakthrough T1D President and CEO.

This is the fourth SDP extension passed by Congress since September. This extension was included in the Federal economic relief package created in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

The package also included two additional benefits for the T1D community:

  • Renewed funding for community health centers, where people can access affordable insulin and other prescriptions.
  • A requirementĀ thatĀ Medicare Part D plansĀ provide up to a 90-day supply ofĀ prescriptionĀ medications, including insulin,Ā if requested by a beneficiary during the COVID-19 emergency period.

 

For additional resources aimed at supporting access and payment for insulin and other prescriptions, visit jdrf.org/costs.

For additional information and resources about COVID-19, including how to stay healthy and be prepared with extra medications and supplies, visit jdrf.org/coronavirus.