Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposes to extend the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Expanded Model’s Public Health Emergency (PHE) Flexibilities for four years. Currently, MDPP suppliers are required to resume in-person delivery of the MDPP set of services after Sunday, December 31.

In this proposed rule, CMS will allow all MDPP suppliers to continue to use specific MDPP COVID-19 PHE flexibilities through Friday, December 31, 2027. The proposed flexibilities include the virtual delivery of the set of MDPP services through distance learning. CMS also proposes to simplify MDPP’s current performance-based payment structure by allowing fee-for-service payments for beneficiary attendance.

What does this mean? If finalized, this proposed rule would allow all MDPP suppliers to continue to offer the set of MDPPs services virtually using distance learning delivery through Friday, December 31, 2027, if they maintain an in-person CDC organization code. This would include the ability to:

• Collect weight measurements for MDPP beneficiaries via virtual technology and/or self-reported weight measurements
• Provide all MDPP services virtually, with no maximum of virtual sessions provided
• Use a new distance learning G-code for MDPP services delivered virtually via distance learning
• Bill for each session attended (up to 22 sessions over the 12-month MDPP services period).

Additional information regarding this proposed ruling may be found in the Federal Register.