[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E56-E57]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      MEDICARE DIABETES EDUCATION AND SUPPLIES AMENDMENTS OF 1997

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 1997

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my name as an original 
cosponsor of the Medicare Diabetes Education and Supplies Amendments of 
1997, introduced today by my colleague from Oregon, Representative 
Furse. This long-overdue legislation will assist millions of diabetics, 
by ensuring that the relatively small costs of diabetes self-management 
training and glucose test strips will be covered by Medicare. The cost-
effectiveness of managing diabetes has been well documented. Management 
significantly reduces and delays the onset of disabling or fatal 
consequences of this disease. Thus, the small investment Medicare makes 
``up front'' pays off several times in savings over the long term. But 
most importantly, these simple, cost-effective techniques notably 
improve the quality of life for people with diabetes.
  Many of my colleagues will recall Representative Furse's valiant 
attempts to enact this legislation in the 104th Congress. Throughout 
that Congress, in the context of Medicare legislation and budget 
reconciliation, even to the last night of the second session, she 
worked to achieve that goal. I was glad to work with her in that 
effort. However, despite tremendous support from people with diabetes 
and their families, Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, and 
the White House, the elusive prize was not to be won in that most 
rancorous of seasons. I hope that as we begin this quest again, we can 
place health policy ahead of partisan wrangling, and people

[[Page E57]]

with diabetes ahead of politics. Let us enact this fine legislation as 
one of the first examples that we can and will work together to serve 
the American people. Let us take as our example the outstanding 
commitment of Representative Furse to accomplish this objective not for 
personal or political gain, but because it is the right thing to do.
  I am happy to be part of this effort, and look forward to speedy 
enactment of this important legislation.

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