482-P: Comprehension of Medicare Program and Participation of Diabetes Self-Management Training among Medicare Beneficiaries with Diabetes

Abstract

Poorly managed diabetes can lead to complications which account for a large portion of diabetes costs. Although diabetes self-management programs have been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of complications, low uptake of diabetes self-management training (DSMT) has been reported. Identifying factors associated with participation in DSMT among Medicare beneficiaries (MBs) with diabetes can provide information to improve uptake of these programs. DSMT is a Medicare-covered benefit. We analyzed the nationally representative 2018 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey PUF of MBs aged ≥ 65 years with reported type 2 diabetes (n=1,056). A survey-weighted logistic model, adjusted for socio-demographics and co-morbidities, was performed to examine the relationship between participation of DSMT and two binary variables including: 1) whether providers gave instructions on how to take care of one’s health; and 2) whether the Medicare program was easy/difficult to understand. Of study MBs, 49.6% self-reported participation in DSMT (a rate higher than other studies analyzing claims data). DSMT participants had higher rates of reporting the Medicare program was easy to understand (73.3% vs. 66.1%), and that providers gave instructions on how to take care of one’s health (68.0% vs. 64.0%) than non-DSMT participants. Among the study MBs, those reporting the Medicare program was easy to understand were more likely to participate in DSMT (odds ratio (OR)=1.40, p<0.046). Surprisingly, those reporting that providers gave instructions on how to take care of one’s health were not significantly associated with the participation of DSMT (OR=1.12, p<0.506). Our finding highlights that a better comprehension of the Medicare Program has a positive impact on the participation of DSMT. Interventions to improve MBs’ understanding of the Medicare program and associated benefits may increase participation in DSMT. Disclosure B. Ng: None. S. D. Towne: None. J. B. Lamanna: None. K. Kim: None.