Senator Hicks and Senator Frank Simpson are working with the Oklahoma Diabetes Caucus to get things done for people with diabetes in the state of Oklahoma. Senator Simpson's granddaughter died of complications from type 1 diabetes at a young age and Senator Hicks' son has type 1 diabetes. The caucus is currently divided into four work groups with varied focus':
Work group 1-Increase DPP and DSME/T programs and referrals to those programs
Work group 2-Advocate for increased DPP and DSME/T reimbursement
Work group 3-Define and recognize DPP and DSME/T for pediatric populations
Work group 4-Advocate for those with type 1 diabetes
This is an update on work group 4. There are currently 2 areas of focus: 1) Continuous Glucose Monitoring coverage for children with type 1 diabetes that have Soonercare health coverage and 2) affordability of insulin for all people with diabetes in Oklahoma.
Focus 1: Current Diabetes Standards of Care (Diabetes Care, Jan 2019) states, "Continuous glucose monitoring should be considered in all children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes..." Senator Simpson is meeting with the new CEO of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to find out what the standards are for children with type 1 diabetes at the OKHCA and why CGM is not currently offered.
Focus 2: Senator Hicks is looking at Colorado and other states that are passing laws capping the price of insulin to gather strategies for Oklahoma.
There will be an interim study this fall gathering information on both of these topics. Lawmakers often call upon stakeholders and experts in the field to bring information into an interim study with the goal to highlight the issues for lawmakers to study when considering a bill. Those who attend the Diabetes Caucus will be solicited to provide information and awareness on both of these topics in the coming months and we may also send requests to others in our state asking for input as well. If asked, please do what you can to make this a priority for our state. Thank you!