Diabetes Education and Training is Covered by Medicare, Other Insurers

Individuals receive 10 hours of training plus nutrition counseling

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million people in the United States have diabetes, including more than 25 percent of adults age 65 and older. Of those with diabetes, nearly 26 percent are unaware of their condition.
Education is key to managing and successfully living with type 2 diabetes. The Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing is proud to offer a Diabetes Self-Management Education/Training Program accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. This program helps individuals with diabetes learn how to manage their disease and be as healthy as possible by focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, self-monitoring, medication management, reducing risks and preventing diabetic complications.
Sun Health’s program is taught by certified diabetes educators/registered dietitians and an exercise physiologist/health coach. The programs are offered throughout the year at different locations, including the Center for Health & Wellbeing locations in Surprise and at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, as well as locations in the Southwest Valley.

What is covered?

Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and most insurance carries cover outpatient diabetes self-management education/training to teach you to cope with and manage your diabetes. Medicare covers 10 hours of the initial Diabetes Self-Management Education/Training Program along with two hours of follow-up training each calendar year after the initial session. Medical Nutrition Therapy, one-on-one counseling with a registered dietitian nutritionist, is also covered as an annual benefit for those diagnosed with diabetes. This includes three hours of counseling in the first year the benefit is received, plus two hours of counseling each year thereafter.

Who’s eligible?

These benefits are for individuals diagnosed with diabetes who have Medicare. You must have a written order from a doctor or other health care provider.

Your costs in Traditional Medicare

You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount, and the Part B deductible applies. Commercial insurance and Medicare replacement plans typically follow Medicare guidelines. Please consult your insurance provider for details about coverage.