[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 37 (Monday, March 5, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2593-S2594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              DIABETES SCREENING AND MEDICAID SAVINGS ACT

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, on Friday, my colleague Mr. Schumer and 
I introduced the Diabetes Screening and Medicaid Savings Act of 2007. 
This bill will provide a diabetes screening benefit for adults within 
the Medicaid program. Only Medicaid eligible individuals who are 
enrolled in the program and who meet certain qualifications will be 
covered. If you test positive for diabetes, then there is mandated 
coverage of treatment, supplies, and education.
  According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 
nearly 21 million Americans, about 7 percent of the total population. 
The number of U.S. adults with diagnosed diabetes has

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increased by more than 60 percent since 1991 and is projected to more 
than double by 2050. It ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in 
America. People who have diabetes are much more likely to suffer from 
blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage. 
These complications result in significant costs to the health care 
system as a whole as well as to the individual suffering from this 
disease.
  Diabetes health care specialists say that many patients who are 
diagnosed with diabetes initially visit their doctor not for symptoms 
related to the diabetes but because they are already suffering from the 
secondary complications. If diabetes complications are the first 
indication that you have diabetes, you are starting your fight at an 
incredible disadvantage.
  Although the increasing burden of diabetes and its complications is 
frightening, much of this burden could be prevented with early 
detection. Methods for controlling diabetes and minimizing its impact 
on health and health care costs are well documented. Yet access to 
these services, including screening and early interventions, varies by 
State.
  The bill we are introducing today will provide a uniform benefit 
within the Medicaid Program. This bill recognizes that diabetes has 
been found to be most prevalent in low-income and certain ethnic 
populations. This bill makes sure that the needs of these populations, 
such as Native Americans and Hispanics are addressed.
  Complications of diabetes can be prevented and the costs of this 
disease to our society can be contained. Early detection and treatment 
is the key. I know that the chairman and ranking member of the Finance 
Committee have been working very hard to reform the Medicaid Program so 
that it will better serve those who need it most. I appreciate their 
efforts and hope they will consider making the changes I am 
recommending.

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