Improving access to diabetes outpatient self-management training services

(a) In general Section 1861(qq) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(qq)) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking the Secretary determines appropriate and inserting specified in paragraph (3); and (B) by striking the physician who is managing the individual's diabetic condition and inserting a physician or qualified nonphysician practitioner; (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking paragraph and inserting subparagraph; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (3) For purposes of paragraph (1) and subject to subparagraph (B), the times specified in this paragraph are the following: (A) An initial 10 hours of individual or group educational and training services to remain available until used. (B) An additional 2 hours of individual or group educational and training services each year, beginning with the year in which the initial 10 hours described in subparagraph (A) are completed. (4) The Secretary shall not limit the quantity or duration of educational and training services furnished by a certified provider to an individual with diabetes if such services are deemed medically necessary by a physician or qualified non-physician practitioner.. (b) Medical nutrition therapy services Section 1861(s)(2)(V) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)(V)) is amended— (1) by striking clause (i); (2) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; and (3) in clause (ii), as so redesignated, by striking after consideration of and inserting consistent with. (c) Cost-Sharing Section 1833 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)(1)— (A) by striking and (HH) and inserting (HH); and (B) by inserting the following before the semicolon at the end: and (II) with respect to diabetes outpatient self-management training services (as defined in section 1861(qq)), the amount paid shall be 100 percent of the lesser of the actual charge for the services or the amount determined under the fee schedule that applies to such services under this part;; and (2) in subsection (b), in the first sentence— (A) by striking, and (13) and inserting (13); and (B) by striking 1861(n).. and inserting 1861(n), and (14) such deductible shall not apply with respect to diabetes outpatient self-management training services (as defined in section 1861(qq)). (d) Application The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.