Requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for continuous blood glucose monitors for all children

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Sam Sutton says this is needed

Currently, children diagnosed with Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD), Mito- chondrial Disease, Ketotic Hypoglycemia, and other rare diseases face frequent hospitalizations due to unstable blood sugar levels. These conditions require constant monitoring to prevent life-threatening events, but existing methods such as finger-stick tests are not suffi- cient for ensuring timely intervention, especially for nocturnal hypo- glycemia. The first two years of life for a child are crucial for brain develop- ment, and children under 2 with hypoglycemic disorders need access to advanced glucose monitoring technologies to ensure their safety and support proper growth. Delays in diagnosis are common with rare diseases, but even in the absence of a definitive diagnosis, monitoring and addressing low blood sugar levels during this period, is essential for preventing brain damage and promoting healthy neurological develop- ment. Continuous glucose monitors like the Dexcom device provide real-time alerts when a child's blood sugar levels become dangerously low or high, particularly in the middle of the night. For children with GSD or mito- chondrial disorders, nighttime hypoglycemia is especially dangerous, as it may occur without any noticeable symptoms. With Dexcom's real-time alerts, caregivers can be immediately notified and intervene before a critical situation arises, thus preventing seizures, unconsciousness, and potential death. The Dexcom device can help prevent emergency hospi- tal visits, as it allows parents and caregivers to manage glucose levels from home. Many children with GSD, HI, or KH spend days in the hospital for glucose stabilization-efforts that could be managed at home with proper monitoring. The cost of a Dexcom device for a year is often less than the cost of a single hospitalization for hypoglycemia. Specif- ically, the annual cost for a Dexcom system (around $2,600) is far less than the cost of a hospital stay for severe hypoglycemia, which often exceeds $4,000. Parents of children with severe hypoglycemia disorders experience, immense anxiety, especially during the night when the risk of a hypogly- cemic episode is high. The Dexcom device not only alerts parents when a child's glucose is dangerously low but also helps ease the burden of constant vigilance. This technology provides peace of mind, ensuring that if an emergency arises during the night, parents will be promptly alerted and be able to take action before a situation becomes life- threatening. Clinical experience and research confirm the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring devices for children with Glycogen Storage Disease, Mitochondrial Disorders, and other related conditions. Studies have demonstrated that CGMs help detect both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events, allowing for improved management of these disorders and ulti- mately reducing long-term complications and hospitalizations. Notably, the use of CGMs in managing these conditions can lead to better clinical outcomes and improved quality of life for affected children.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.