IPA Provides Comment on Continuous Glucose Monitor Criteria

• By: IPA
• On: 07/15/2022 13:30:28
• In: Press Releases
• Comments: 0

This afternoon, IPA is taking part in an Iowa Medicaid Clinical Advisory Committee meeting to provide public comment on behalf of our membership as the committee reviews and votes on criteria for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). IPA recognizes the important role the pharmacy profession plays in the management of patients with diabetes. IPA's comments and recommendations for the committee are available below:

Pharmacists play a key role in the prevention and management of diabetes, including patient education, medication management and guiding CGM device selection and teaching. Earlier this year, CMS took steps to make CGMs more accessible by eliminating the fingerstick requirement to qualify for a device. In alignment with these changes, IPA is supportive of Iowa Medicaid taking the same steps to eliminate the four daily blood glucose tests.

Further, in addition to removing the fingerstick requirements, coverage of CGMs and fair reimbursement is equally important in increasing access for Iowans. Pharmacists are one of the most accessible health care team members and can play a vital role in increasing access for diverse populations that can benefit from CGMs. IPA recommends expanding CGMs, testing strips, syringes, and needles back to the pharmacy benefit with real-time adjudication in addition to maintaining CGM coverage on the medical benefit.