NCSL Survey: Dollar for Dollar, How States Deal with Diabetes

DENVER – A new survey from The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) assesses how states are responding to the diabetes epidemic, which afflicts more than 25 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The survey, “States Address the Costs of Diabetes: A 50-State Budget Survey for Fiscal Year 2012,” reveals how much states planned to spend on diabetes and what the money is being spent on.

In total, 14 states appropriated more than $7.7 million in state funds specifically for diabetes treatment, prevention and education for FY 2012. On top of that, nine states authorized $11.5 million that may be spent on diabetes programs, and another $77 million that is intended to combat various chronic diseases including diabetes.

Another key finding: Federal grants to diabetes prevention and control programs continue to all 50 states, but dipped about 13 percent in 2011. Compared to 2010, when the CDC awarded more than $27.4 million in grants, states received only slightly more than $23.8 million in 2011, a difference of about $3.6 million.

While state programs differ, the general goals throughout are aimed at delaying or preventing the development of diabetes, reducing complications related to the disease, eliminating diabetes-related health disparities, and reducing the disease’s financial costs. The programs also promote good nutrition, physical activity, weight loss and smoking cessation. These are key factors to control, prevent, delay or manage diabetes, which helps people live longer, healthier lives.
 
“With states looking at ways to control Medicaid costs, lawmakers recognize that programs to help prevent diabetes can be one of the tools,” explained Richard Cauchi, a health program director at NCSL’s Denver office.
 
NCSL’s 2012 report provides more detail for each state than the 2011 report. NCSL staff also conducted more interviews with state budget officials for the 2012 report.
 
The new report is available to state policymakers and to the general public online.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.