North Carolina should protect Medicaid coverage and treat obesity as a chronic disease.
Across the United States, and here in North Carolina, obesity affects millions of individuals, families, and communities every day. Approximately 610,000 adults, nearly 34% of the state's adult population, are living with obesity, a serious chronic disease that increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and certain cancers.
Too many North Carolina residents still face barriers to accessing the evidence-based care they need. Without sustained access to effective treatment, health outcomes worsen, health disparities grow, and health care costs continue to rise.
It's time for North Carolina to protect access to obesity treatment for Medicaid members. Preserving comprehensive Medicaid coverage ensures that people can continue receiving the care they need to manage this chronic disease, improve health outcomes, and keep communities healthy across the state.
Tell North Carolina lawmakers to protect Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment. Every resident deserves continued access to the care they need to live healthier lives.