(NAPSA)—Recently, the approximately 10.9 million American seniors on Medicare’ who live with diabetes were alerted to new changes that could impact access to their blood glucose testing supplies. Manypeople with diabetes use these supplies—including blood glucose meters andtesting strips— to monitor their blood glucose (also known as “blood sugar”). Learning to use and maintain a blood glucose meter usually requires practice, and, over time, patients often become very comfortable with a particular meter. This is important, because consistent blood glucose monitoringis critical to help people with diabetes track blood glucose levels, identify the best approach to control their diabetes, and avoid the potentially serious complicationsof the disease.’ Medicare Changes The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently instituted a new program that reduces Medicare reimbursement for certain diabetes testing supplies, including blood glucose test strips, for people with diabetes. These changes could limit seniors’ access to their preferred diabetes testing supplies—those theyre comfortable using and that their doctors recommend. CMS may suggest that patients switch to unfamiliar products, causing confusion or frustration. Or worse, according to a survey by the American Association of Diabetes Educators,* patients who can no longer access the products they're comfortable using maytest their blood glucose levels less frequently or stop testing altogether. This could potentially result in poor blood glucose control. i Medicare changes for blood glu- close supplies need not cause seniors with diabetesto test their blood glucose less frequently or stop testing. Support services are available! Finding Support A numberof resources are available to help seniors with diabetes understand and manage the Medicare changes and makeit easier for them to access their familiar supplies or, alternatively, find new products that are both appropriate for them and affordable. The American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) provides comprehensive information and guidance regarding the changes. Many blood glucose testing suppliers provide free training and support services for seniors whoeither decide to switch products or want to continue using their familiar supplies. To help seniors navigate through these changes, the global health care company Abbott has enhanced its FreeStyle Promise diabetes support program to provide new resources and support services to Medicare patients. Seniors with diabetes, their doctors and caregivers can learn more about Abbott’s FreeStyle Promise program at http://www.freestyle coveredbymedicare.com and 1-855578-2660. ‘http: / [www.diabetes.org [advocate /our-priorities [ health-care / medicaid-and-medicare.himl "htip:/ /www.diabetesaustralia.com.au / Living-with-Diabetes | Pype-1-Diabetes | Managing-Type1-Diabetes /Blood-Glucose-Monitoring /. Accessed July 26, 2013 *http: | f/www.ems.govu | Outreach-and-Education / Outreach / Partnerships / Downloads / DMEPOSBeneFactSheetNatMailOrderProgApril20 1311634pdf ‘hitp:/ /www.diabeteseducator.org /export/ sites /aade/_resources / Advocacy / AADE_DME_ SURVEY.pdf FreeStyle and related brand marks are trademarks ofAbbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions. Precision and related brand marks are trademarks of the Abbott Group of Companies in various jurisdictions.
