The PREVENT DIABETES Act expands access to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program by allowing virtual-only providers to participate and serve beneficiaries across state lines from 2026-2030.
Diana DeGette
Representative
CO-1
The PREVENT DIABETES Act aims to expand access to the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) by allowing entities to participate solely through online services from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update regulations by January 1, 2026, to accommodate virtual suppliers, ensuring they meet MDPP enrollment conditions. This act also ensures that these entities will not be denied claim payments for online MDPP services solely because the beneficiary was in a different state when the services were provided and places no limit on the number of times an individual may enroll in the MDPP.
PREVENT DIABETES Act: Medicare Expands Access with Online-Only Prevention Programs Starting 2026
The "Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-based Strategies Act," or the PREVENT DIABETES Act, is shaking up how Medicare handles diabetes prevention. The core change? It green-lights virtual, online-only providers to offer the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) starting January 1, 2026, and running through December 31, 2030. (SEC. 2).
Going Virtual: What It Means
This act directly tackles access issues. Previously, the MDPP might have required in-person sessions, which could be a barrier for folks in rural areas or those with mobility issues. Now, as long as a provider meets the MDPP supplier enrollment conditions, they can deliver the program entirely online – synchronously (live, like a Zoom call) or asynchronously (pre-recorded content). This also means you're not tied to providers in your state; you can get these services from anywhere. (SEC. 2).
Real-World Rollout
Imagine Sarah, a 55-year-old small business owner in rural Montana. Before, she might have struggled to find an MDPP provider nearby. Now, she can join a program online, fitting it into her busy schedule without a long commute. Or consider John, a retired construction worker with limited mobility. He can now access the same preventative care from his home, without the physical strain of travel. The bill also clarifies that the "administrative location" for these online providers is the address they have on file with the Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program. (SEC. 2).
No More Enrollment Caps
Another significant change: the bill removes any limit on how many times someone can enroll in the MDPP. (SEC. 2). Previously, there might have been restrictions, but this recognizes that preventing diabetes is an ongoing process, and people may need support multiple times throughout their lives.
Potential Challenges
While the move to virtual providers expands access, there are potential implementation details to consider. Ensuring the quality of online-only programs will be crucial. The bill hinges on providers meeting existing MDPP supplier conditions, but how those standards translate to a purely virtual environment will need careful monitoring. There is also the need to make sure that the technology used is accessible and user-friendly for all participants, including those who might not be tech-savvy. The bill defines key terms like "MDPP beneficiary" and "MDPP services" by referencing existing regulations, which helps maintain consistency. (SEC. 2).