Learn About MDPP

The MDPP expanded model includes an evidence-based set of services aimed to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes among Medicare beneficiaries with an indication of prediabetes. MDPP services is available to eligible beneficiaries nation-wide. 

A study showed that people with prediabetes who take part in a structured lifestyle change program can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old). This finding was the result of the program helping people lose 5% to 7% of their body weight through healthier eating, 150 minutes of physical activity a week, reducing stress by healthy means, and coping with unhealthy triggers. For a person who weighs 200 pounds, losing 5% to 7% of their body weight means losing just 10 to 14 pounds. It doesn’t take a drastic weight loss to make a big impact.

CMS established the MDPP expanded model as a structured behavior change intervention that aims to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes among Medicare beneficiaries with an indication of prediabetes. 

Eligible beneficiaries are those who:

• are enrolled in Medicare Part B,
• have a BMI of at least 25, or at least 23 if self-identified as Asian,
• meet 1 of the following 3 blood test requirements within the 12 months of the first core session:
  • hemoglobin A1c test with a value between 5.7 and 6.4% , or
  • fasting plasma glucose of 110-125 mg/dL, or
  • two hour plasma glucose of 140-199 mg/dL (oral glucose tolerance test)
• have no previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes (other than gestational diabetes),
• do not have ESRD.

Reviewed 9/19/2024