$2.4 Billion for Diabetes Research Signed into Law Following Senator Collins’ Advocacy
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, announced that the 2023 government funding law included $2.44 billion to support the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), which is the primary federal agency responsible for conducting research for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. This is an increase of $88 million from the previous year’s appropriation.
“The groundbreaking discoveries made possible by advancements in diabetes research are already improving the lives of the more than 37 million Americans living with diabetes, while charting a path for a better future for the 96 million Americans with prediabetes,” said Senator Collins. “Further investments in diabetes research are critical to continue large-scale trials, design next steps for research programs, conduct outreach, and effectively allocate research resources – all of which play an important role in helping to better treat, prevent, and ultimately cure diabetes.”
The government funding bill also includes additional funding to enhance efforts to prevent diabetes and reduce its complications, and to expand the Diabetes Prevention Program. Specifically, the bill includes $155.1 million for diabetes programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a $4 million increase from the previous year’s appropriation, and $37.3 million for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, an increase of $4 million.
The omnibus also includes report language requested by Senator Collins raising concerns about access to new technologies to treat diabetes. Specifically, the report language notes that CMS and FDA have not coordinated their efforts regarding these technologies, leading to a lack of certainty and predictability regarding coverage and payment policies. The law requests a report outlining coverage and payment policies for new technologies for individuals with diabetes, including hybrid-closed loop technologies, which was originally requested in fiscal year 2022.
+++
As the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, Senator Collins has long worked to increase awareness of the threats posed by diabetes, invest in research, and improve access to treatment options. Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) are focused on reducing the skyrocketing cost of insulin and improving affordability for patients, building on their work together last Congress on the INSULIN Act. Senator Collins is also the lead sponsor of the Improving Medicare Beneficiary Access to Innovative Diabetes Technologies Act, which would encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to help seniors access the latest diabetes management technologies that keep them healthy and lower their overall cost of care. Additionally, Senators Collins and Shaheen are leading the bipartisan push in the Senate to ensure continued support for the Special Diabetes Programs.
###
