Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program: Free for Seniors

A Free Program That Could Change Your Health — And Medicare Covers It

Here’s a number that might surprise you: more than 1 in 3 Americans aged 65 and older has prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s roughly 27 million seniors living with blood sugar levels that are higher than normal — but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

The good news? The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program is free to eligible seniors and designed to help you lower your risk before diabetes ever takes hold. If you have Original Medicare (Part B) and have been told you’re at risk, this program could be one of the most valuable benefits you’re not using.

What Is the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP)?

The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program — often called MDPP — is a structured lifestyle change program covered under Medicare Part B. It was introduced in 2018 and is based on research from the National Institutes of Health that proved a powerful point: modest lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 58% in people with prediabetes. For adults over 60, that number jumps even higher — up to 71%.

The program is a year-long, coach-led program that meets regularly to help you make small, sustainable changes to your eating, physical activity, and overall habits. To explore more benefits like this, visit our Medicare Benefits Hub.

Who Qualifies for the MDPP?

You may qualify if you meet all of the following criteria:

1. You’re enrolled in Medicare Part B.
2. You have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. (For Asian Americans, the threshold is a BMI of 23 or higher.)
3. You have a blood test showing prediabetes — a hemoglobin A1c test result between 5.7% and 6.4%, done within the past 12 months.
4. You do NOT have a previous diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
5. You have not previously received MDPP services. Medicare covers the program once per lifetime.

What Happens During the Program?

Phase 1: Core Sessions (Months 1–6)

During the first six months, you’ll attend at least 16 weekly sessions. Topics typically include how to read food labels, adding more movement to your day, managing stress, and staying motivated. The primary goals are to achieve at least 5% weight loss and build at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.

Phase 2: Maintenance Sessions (Months 7–12)

You’ll transition to monthly maintenance sessions for the remaining six months. Because it’s covered by Medicare Part B, there is no copay, no deductible, and no out-of-pocket cost for the program itself.

How Much Does the MDPP Really Cost?

Let’s be crystal clear: the MDPP is free for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Compare that to the cost of managing type 2 diabetes, which the American Diabetes Association estimates at over $9,600 per year in direct medical expenses. For more tips and updates, check out our Medicare blog.

How to Find and Enroll in the MDPP

1. Talk to your doctor. Ask about your diabetes risk and request a blood test if you haven’t had one recently.
2. Find a CDC-recognized MDPP supplier near you on the Medicare.gov website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
3. Confirm coverage with your plan. If you have Original Medicare Part B, you’re covered.
4. Show up and participate. The program works best when you attend sessions consistently.

5 Quick Tips to Lower Your Diabetes Risk Starting Today

1. Walk for 10 minutes after meals. A short post-meal walk can help lower blood sugar levels significantly.
2. Swap sugary drinks for water or unsweetened tea.
3. Fill half your plate with vegetables.
4. Get enough sleep. Aim for 7–8 hours each night.
5. Know your numbers. Track your weight, blood pressure, and A1c levels.

Don’t Leave This Free Benefit on the Table

Too many seniors don’t know about the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program. Prediabetes doesn’t have to become diabetes. With the right support, you can take control of your health and significantly reduce your risk — at no cost to you.