Funding for the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) is set to expire on January 30, 2026, unless Congress passes legislation to extend the program. SDP is a federal program comprised of two components — the Special Diabetes Program for Type 1 Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians. Congress created these programs in 1997 to advance research for type 1 diabetes at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders (NIDDK) and to provide treatment and education programs for type 2 diabetes among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). Despite SDP's success and strong bipartisan support, the program is in jeopardy because time is running out for Congress to pass legislation before it expires. The Endocrine Society is urging Congress to pass a long-term extension of SDP, and we need your help. It is important for you to remind your Senators and Representatives about the importance of this life-saving program. We urge you to take action through our campaign to make your voice heard. Taking action will take only a minute of your time but will have significant impact.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a rule last week to reclassify certain continuous glucose monitors (CGM) into the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). Under the final rule, Medicare beneficiaries will pay for Class 2 CGMs and insulin pumps through bundled monthly rental agreements. Class 3 devices, which include the Senseonics Eversense device, will also be paid on a bundled monthly rental basis. According to CMS, the agency set similar payment rates for Class 2 and Class 3 devices to ensure that payment rates are not “grossly excessive” for patients who may use both Class 2 and Class 3 devices. The Endocrine Society submitted comments on this proposal in September. In our letter we expressed strong concerns about how this proposal could impact prescribing decisions, patient choice, and administrative burden for physicians. We urged CMS not to finalize this proposal because of potential unintended consequences, which could hinder patient access and affordability. A copy of the letter we sent is available here on our website. We will continue to monitor this issue closely and will keep you updated as the rule is implemented.
The Trump administration recently released another round of negotiated prices for drugs under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The prices for the second round of negotiations become effective January of 2027. The fact sheet can be found here: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-negotiated-prices-ipay-2027.pdf
Of interest to the Endocrine Society the following endocrine-related drugs will be discounted under the program beginning in 2027:
The Endocrine Society has been a vocal advocate of reducing the cost of prescription medications to create better access to treatment. We continue to work with the administration, Congress, and industry to find ways to lower cost of drugs, including insulin, for all people regardless of insurance type.
We rely on your voice to advocate for our policy priorities. Join us to show our strength as a community that cares about endocrinology. Contact your US representatives or European Members of Parliament through our online platform. Take action and make a difference today.
