The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) welcomed Indiana’s decision to participate in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’s) BALANCE demonstration, an initiative that allows participating states to evaluate the clinical and fiscal impact of expanding Medicaid coverage for evidence-based obesity treatments for eligible beneficiaries.
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and other serious health conditions. Despite well-established clinical guidelines, many Medicaid beneficiaries have limited access to comprehensive obesity treatment, including Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-obesity medications and intensive behavioral interventions.
Indiana’s participation in the BALANCE demonstration represents an important opportunity to assess how expanded access to evidence-based obesity care can improve health outcomes, support chronic disease prevention and management, and inform future Medicaid policy.
“Indiana is taking an important step toward improving access to evidence-based obesity care for Medicaid beneficiaries,” said Christine Fallabel, the ADA’s managing director of state government affairs. “Expanding access to clinically appropriate obesity treatment can improve health outcomes, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and other obesity-related complications, and help ensure more people receive the care they need before preventable chronic diseases progress.”
Over 40 million Americans live with diabetes, while obesity remains one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Research has demonstrated that effective obesity treatment can improve metabolic health, reduce diabetes risk, and improve quality of life for many individuals.
The ADA looks forward to working with Indiana policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to support implementation of the BALANCE demonstration and help ensure eligible Medicaid beneficiaries have access to high-quality, evidence-based obesity care.
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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. For 86 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we work to improve the quality of life for the over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. 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).
