U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., the co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, announced this week that he has successfully convinced the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to begin covering Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) for veterans who rely on insulin or have a problematic history of hypoglycemia.
CGMs automatically and continuously collect data to monitor blood glucose levels, or blood sugar. Patients can see blood glucose levels at any time and review how levels change throughout the day. Analyzing this data in real-time can help patients make more informed decisions about the food and beverages they consume, the physical activity they engage in, and the medicines they take.
“Veterans deserve the best possible care available,” said Bilirakis. “CGMs offer detailed data that can help patients and doctors better manage their care. This change will make a real difference in the lives of Veterans across the nation and millions will benefit, including approximately 80,000 veterans who live in Florida’s 12th Congressional District. I commend VA Secretary Denis McDonough and the staff at the VA for being responsive to this request and moving quickly to implement this change.”
This move comes after a recent change from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to begin covering the device for Medicare beneficiaries after noting thedevice’s positive health benefits. After learning of Medicare’s policy change in May of 2023, Bilirakis and U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette , D-Col., Diabetes Caucus co-chair sent a letter to the VA seeking similar coverage for veterans. Earlier this month, the VA followed up with Bilirakis informing him that the change the lawmakers sought would be made – allowing more veterans to access this technology and improve their health.
