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For Immediate Release
October 6, 1998
Senate Approves Legislation to Assist Pennsylvanians in Treating
Diabetes
Harrisburg – State Sen. White joined Senate colleagues today to approve
legislation that would help Pennsylvanians with diabetes to better manage
their condition and receive necessary care. The legislation requires insurance
plans to cover certain diabetic supplies, medication and education.
"Diabetes is a cruel disease that seriously disrupts the lives of its
victims," said White. "This legislation would not only help Pennsylvanians
with diabetes obtain the supplies and assistance they need to reduce complications,
it would also help to reduce health care costs." Diabetes is an insulin-related disorder affecting more than one million
Pennsylvania citizens. It results in approximately 12,000 deaths each year,
and can cause related complications such as blindness, kidney disease and
amputations, said White. White noted that the legislation was endorsed by the Pennsylvania Health
Care Cost Containment Council, an independent state agency. The agency
studied the legislation and reported that the measure would likely lead
to better diabetes treatment, fewer hospitalizations and lower health care
costs. The supplies insurers would have to cover include insulin, syringes
and blood-glucose monitors. Among the services covered by the legislation is assistance for diabetics
from individuals with an expertise in diabetes self-management, White said.
The experts could help in planning diets, and with other steps that reduce
complications. White said hospital charges for the 262,000 diabetes-related hospitalizations
total almost $4.4 billion per year, according to the council’s report.
If these hospitalizations could be reduced by 20 percent, the health care
savings would total $877 million. White noted that government must exercise caution when considering requirements
for insurers. But, the legislation specifically targets only treatment
procedures that can reduce overall costs, as well as suffering. House Bill 656 now goes to Gov. Tom Ridge for his signature. CONTACT: Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684
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