Late-stage diabetes, also referred to as advanced or uncontrolled diabetes, can lead to severe complications and a significant decline in an individual's quality of life. As a healthcare provider, it is vital to inform patients about the various benefits and resources available to help manage their condition and mitigate potential complications. In this article, we will discuss the advantages for patients with late-stage diabetes, specifically focusing on Medicare coverage, how to obtain late-stage diabetes benefits, and the impact of coverage on individuals living with this chronic condition.
What Does Medicare Offer?
Medicare, the federal health insurance program in the United States, offers coverage for individuals with late-stage diabetes, irrespective of their age. This comprehensive program provides a range of services and benefits tailored to the unique needs of patients with late-stage diabetes, helping to ease the financial burden of treatment and improve access to essential medical services. The following list outlines some of the key benefits offered by Medicare for those with late-stage diabetes:
Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
Doctor visits and specialist consultations
Diabetes self-management training and education
Diabetes medications, including insulin and other prescription drugs
Blood glucose monitoring supplies and equipment
Preventive services, such as screenings for diabetes-related complications
Nutritional therapy services provided by a registered dietitian
Laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging
Medical equipment, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors
Mental health services and counseling
Rehabilitation services, including physical and occupational therapy
How Do I Get Late-Stage Diabetes Benefits?
To qualify for Medicare late-stage diabetes benefits, you must be diagnosed with advanced or uncontrolled diabetes and meet specific eligibility criteria. These include:
Being at least 65 years old, or under 65 with certain disabilities or chronic conditions.
Having worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient amount of time, or being the spouse or dependent child of someone who has.
Applying for Medicare coverage by contacting the Social Security Administration or enrolling online through their website.
Once you have established your eligibility, you will need to choose the appropriate Medicare plan. Traditional Medicare, also known as Original Medicare, includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). You may also opt for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), which combines Parts A and B and often includes additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage (Part D).
Does Coverage Benefit Those With Late-Stage Diabetes?
Access to comprehensive medical coverage has been shown to positively impact the outcomes and quality of life for patients with late-stage diabetes. The following peer-reviewed studies highlight the benefits of coverage for individuals with this chronic condition:
Ali, M. K., McKeever Bullard, K., Imperatore, G., Barker, L., Gregg, E. W., & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2012). Characteristics associated with poor glycemic control among adults with self-reported diagnosed diabetes—National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2007-2010. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 61(2), 32-37.
Huang, E. S., Zhang, Q., Gandra, N., Chin, M. H., & Meltzer, D. O. (2008). The effect of comorbid illness and functional status on the expected benefits of intensive glucose control in older patients with type 2 diabetes: a decision analysis. Annals of Internal Medicine, 149(1), 11-19.
Hsu, C. C., Lee, C. H., Wahlqvist, M. L., Huang, H. L., Chang, H. Y., Chen, L., ... & Shih, S. F. (2012). Poverty increases type