(M05C) Trends and Disparities in DSMES Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) is an evidence-based program that facilitates self-care behavior and has been consistently shown to improve glycemia and reduce preventable healthcare utilization and costs. Although Medicare has covered DSMES services since 2000, utilization of DSMES among beneficiaries remains suboptimal, raising concerns that individuals who stand to benefit the most may be least likely to receive them. Although past studies have documented sociodemographic disparities in DSMES, limited evidence describes national trends in DSMES utilization and whether disparities in utilization by sociodemographic factors among older adults have persisted over time. The goal of this study was to characterize six-year trends in DSMES utilization and to examine whether sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., sex, age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, income, and area of residence) were consistently associated with DSMES participation among Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with self-reported T2D. Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we analyzed nationally representative data of 2017–2022 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Public Use Files. A binary dependent variable of DSMES utilization was created based on a survey question of “[Have you/Has sample person (SP)] ever participated in a diabetes self-management course or class, or received special training on how [you/he/she] can manage [your/his/her] diabetes?” response options, Yes or No. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to assess associations between sociodemographic characteristics and DSMES utilization over time. This session will present longitudinal trends in DSMES utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with T2D and highlight socioeconomic factors that are consistently associated with DSMES participation.

Complete list of authors of the research with names, credentials, and institutional affiliations (a list of authors of the research, not a list of presenters).: Seoyon Kwon, MPH, MSDA, University of Central Florida, College of Science; Rachell Nguyen, DNP, APRN, NP-C, NPD-BC, NE-BC, CDCES, Texas Woman's University-Houston Campus, College of Nursing; Jacqueline LaManna, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, University of Central Florida, College of Nursing; Boon Peng Ng, PhD, University of Central Florida, College of Nursing, Disability, Aging, Technology Cluster, and College of Medicine

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