Analysis & commentary: The Affordable Care Act lays the groundwork for a national diabetes prevention and treatment strategy

Abstract

The Affordable Care Act includes several provisions that could create a comprehensive approach to preventing and treating diabetes and other chronic health conditions. The current prevention and treatment system is an unconnected, silo-based approach, which reduces the effectiveness and increases the cost of health care. This article presents a three-part proposal: expand the Diabetes Prevention Program nationally; build care coordination through health teams into the traditional Medicare program; and use these teams to connect public health, prevention, and treatment. Enrollment in evidence-based lifestyle modification programs-specifically, those focused on excess weight-should be added as a covered benefit under Medicare with no cost sharing. Funding for the Medicare component could be provided through the budget of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The proposal in its totality has the potential for improving health outcomes and reducing costs.