The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) recognizes North Carolina’s action to preserve Medicaid coverage for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved weight-management medications, safeguarding access to evidence-based care for people living with diabetes, obesity, or both.
“We appreciate North Carolina’s decision to continue coverage for obesity medication,” said Monica Billger, the ADA’s director of state government affairs. “This action helps ensure people who rely on Medicaid can continue accessing the care and treatment they need to manage their health.”
Nearly 35% of the state’s adult population are living with obesity. Among adults age 60 and older, the prevalence is 32%, and the state’s adult obesity rate is projected to reach 64% for females and 57% for males by 2050.
The ADA remains committed to working with state leaders, healthcare professionals, and community partners to advance policies that protect continuity of care, improve health outcomes, and expand access to evidence-based diabetes and obesity care for all North Carolinians.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
