Ohio should provide Medicaid coverage and treat obesity as a chronic disease.
Across the United States, and here in Ohio, obesity affects millions of individuals, families, and communities every day. In Ohio, nearly 3.4 million adults, about 36% of the state's 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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio lawmakers to provide Medicaid coverage for obesity treatment. Every resident deserves access to the care they need to live healthier lives.