Relative to adults without obesity, adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) incur 42% higher medical costs and are nearly twice as likely to die before age 70. Nonetheless, coverage for these obesity treatment modalities is inconsistent across states. Intensive behavioral therapy, nutritional therapy, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery are evidence-based strategies that support clinically-significant weight loss ( ≥ 5% reduction in body weight).

This website reviews findings from a comprehensive, state-by-state analysis of coverage for evidence-based obesity treatment modalities available to adults in Medicaid and state employee health insurance programs during the 2016-2017 plan year. Data were obtained through an extensive review of administrative documents, health plan websites, provider manuals, subscriber handbooks, fee schedules, and drug formularies from Medicaid and state employee health insurance programs in all fifty states and D.C.