As part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Medicare Part B coverage for preventive exams will change. Starting on January 1, 2011, Medicare will cover an annual preventive examination. The Initial Preventive Physical Examination service will remain and be available as a service those beneficiaries within the first 12 months of coverage under Part B. The coinsurance/deductible will not apply to the new preventive services. 

Medicare covers diabetes outpatient self-management training when furnished by a certified provider who meets certain quality standards. A diabetes outpatient self-management training (DSMT) program includes education about self-monitoring of blood glucose, diet/ exercise, an insulin treatment plan developed specifically for the patient who is insulin-dependent, and motivation for patients to use the skills for self-management. The following is a guide explaining Medicare coverage requirements.