(a) Except as provided in section six, article fifteen of this chapter, any policy which provides major medical or similar comprehensive-type medical coverage shall include coverage for the following equipment and supplies for the treatment and/or management of diabetes for both insulin dependent and noninsulin dependent persons with diabetes and those with gestational diabetes, if medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed physician: Blood glucose monitors, monitor supplies, insulin, injection aids, syringes, insulin infusion devices, pharmacological agents for controlling blood sugar, orthotics and any additional items as promulgated by rule, pursuant to the provisions of chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, by the Insurance Commissioner, with the advice of the commissioner of the bureau of public health.

(b) All policies affected by the provisions of this section shall also include coverage for diabetes self-management education to ensure that persons with diabetes are educated as to the proper self-management and treatment of their diabetes, including information on proper diets. Coverage for self-management education and education relating to diet and prescribed by a licensed physician shall be limited to: (1) Visits medically necessary upon the diagnosis of diabetes; (2) visits under circumstances whereby a physician identifies or diagnoses a significant change in the patient's symptoms or conditions that necessitates changes in a patient's self-management; and (3) where a new medication or therapeutic process relating to the person's treatment and/or management of diabetes has been identified as medically necessary by a licensed physician: Provided, That coverage for reeducation or refresher education shall be limited to $100 annually.

(c) The education may be provided by the physician as part of an office visit for diabetes diagnosis or treatment, or by a licensed pharmacist for instructing and monitoring a patient regarding the proper use of covered equipment, supplies and medications prescribed by a licensed physician, or by a certified diabetes educator certified by a national diabetes educator certification program, or registered dietitian registered by a nationally recognized professional association of dietitians upon the referral of a physician: Provided, That such national diabetes education certification program or nationally recognized professional association of dieticians has been certified to the commissioner of insurance by the commissioner of the bureau of public health.

(d) Any deductible or coinsurance billed for any service as provided in this section shall apply on an equal basis with all other coverages provided by the insurer but not included in this section.