Washington, DC-- The Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health applauds the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposal to cover obesity treatments under Medicare and Medicaid.
The announcement from CMS would allow a path to coverage to finally treat obesity as a disease, extending care for millions of Americans, saving lives and preventing countless chronic conditions afflicting patients. This decision eases the health burden of obesity as well as its financial strain: According to one report, the projected health care savings from weight loss among US adults with obesity were substantial for both Medicare and employer-based insurance.
"We know the early treatment of obesity is critical in preventing cardiovascular disease, which affects 2 in 5 Americans and remains the leading cause of death in the United States,” said Ryan Gough, executive director of the Partnership to Advance Cardiovascular Health. “By expanding access to care, CMS is addressing a root cause of cardiovascular disease and preventing chronic conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol and coronary artery disease.”
"We urge the incoming administration to finalize this decision and ensure patients with obesity can access the care they need to live longer, healthier lives."
