U.S. Senators Young, Warnock introduce bill to increase access to medicalcare for Americans withdiabetes

 U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) introduced the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act, legislation that would increase access to diabetic shoes for more Americans.

Some Americans with diabetes on either Medicaid or Medicare face access issues when trying to obtain a diabetic shoe. Left untreated, foot complications such as ulcers, neuropathy, and vascular disease can result in lower extremity amputations for patients. These amputations can be prevented with proper foot care. The Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act would make commonsense reforms to improve access for Americans. The legislation would help reduce preventative health complications, drive medical costs down for Americans, and improve the wellbeing of these patients.

“Our bill will make it easier for Americans living with diabetes to access proper medical care that is critical to avoiding more serious health complications,” said Senator Young. “Increasing access to care like this is important.”

“People with diabetes account for one in every four dollars spent in our health care system, making it one of our country’s most costly diseases,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “This bipartisan legislation would make it easier for patients with diabetes to access therapeutic shoes and essential foot and ankle care, improving health outcomes and preventing costly complications.”

A supportive statement and full list of supporters, led by the American Podiatric Medical Association, can be found here.