TDES program offers support and savings
Diabetes can be a difficult disease to manage, and there are very serious consequences for those who do not effectively manage it. Support is available to our members who have diabetes or pre-diabetes, and it comes with a significant financial incentive.
The Telephonic Diabetes Education and Support program (TDES©) features local, individualized education and support from experienced, certified diabetes educators. It is run by our partners at Medical Care Development Public Health. Participants typically have one in-person visit and monthly follow up phone calls with a diabetes educator to help them stay on track.
While participating in the 12-month program, copays will be waived (paid by the plan) for covered prescribed diabetes medications and diabetes supplies, including testing supplies. For graduates of the program, a TDES2! plan is available for an additional 12 months.
All adult members with MMEHT medical coverage, including retirees on the Medicare Group Companion Plan, are eligible to participate, and the program is open to members with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
For more information or to enroll, please visit our website at www.mmeht.org and click on “What’s New” for a direct link to the TDES© program, or call our Member Service Representatives at 1-800-852-830
We would like to introduce you to Reginald Winslow from the Ellsworth Water Department, an MMEHT member and a TDES© graduate! In his words, this is how TDES© worked for him….
“Hello, my name is Reggie and I work for the Ellsworth Water Department and I love my hometown of Surry! I spend most of my workdays either in the office or doing field work. For fun I like to play with my three grandchildren.
I first signed up for TDES because of the waived copays for my diabetes medication and supplies, but soon realized I had a lot to learn about my diabetes. My diabetes education program at the Maine Coast Diabetes and Nutrition taught me a lot about how the foods you expect to affect your blood sugar actually do.
Thanks to enrolling in TDES I have better eating habits (which was difficult) and am more conscious of what is in my food. I also understand carbohydrates and though I love to eat, I am mindful of my carb intake.
When I was first diagnosed (with diabetes) my A1C was 11; it now ranges 7.3 – 8.0. This is a great program, the education is there, and the people I have worked with are great and extremely helpful. The participant book I received from TDES is wonderful, pretty informative with links to websites. A great resource to use to ask your doctor questions about your diabetes.
I recommend this program to everyone to learn what has to be dealt with and about the struggle of food choices. It is easy to say, ‘oh, I can do that,’ then reality hits!”