Indiana should provide Medicaid coverage and treat obesity as a chronic disease.
Across the United States, and here in Indiana, obesity affects millions of individuals, families, and communities every day. Indiana ranks eighth in the nation for obesity, with nearly 2 million adults, about 38% of the state's population, living with obesity, a serious chronic disease that increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and certain cancers.
Too many Indiana residents face barriers to accessing the evidence-based care they need. Without effective treatment, health outcomes worsen, health disparities grow, and health care costs continue to rise.
It's time for Indiana to recognize obesity as the chronic disease it is. Expanding Medicaid coverage for comprehensive obesity treatment would help more people access the care they need, improve health outcomes, and build healthier communities.
Tell Indiana lawmakers to provide Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment. Every resident deserves access to the care they need to live healthier lives.