LM Economic Consortium
  • Certified Programs
  • For Employers
  • For Healthcare Providers
Menu
  • About
  •    The Why of the
       LMERC
  •    Who
  •    Advisory Board
  •    Staff
  • Benefits
  •    For Employers
  •    For Healthcare
       Providers
  •    For Individuals
  • Resources
    • Key Papers and Presentations
    • Certified Programs
Consulting Evidence Database Download Database
Home » Evidences » Cost of Chronic Disease » Severe Obesity In Adults Cost State Medicaid Programs Nearly $8 Billion In 2013.

Severe Obesity In Adults Cost State Medicaid Programs Nearly $8 Billion In 2013.

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 17:39

Author(s):

Wang, Y. C., et al.

Year Published:

2015

Journal:

Health Affairs

Categories:

Cost of Chronic Disease , Obesity and metabolic conditions

Link to Abstract Summary:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26526251

Abstract:

Efforts to expand Medicaid while controlling spending must be informed by a deeper understanding of the extent to which the high medical costs associated with severe obesity (having a body mass index of [Formula: see text] or higher) determine spending at the state level. Our analysis of population-representative data indicates that in 2013, severe obesity cost the nation approximately $69 billion, which accounted for 60 percent of total obesity-related costs. Approximately 11 percent of the cost of severe obesity was paid for by Medicaid, 30 percent by Medicare and other federal health programs, 27 percent by private health plans, and 30 percent out of pocket. Overall, severe obesity cost state Medicaid programs almost $8 billion a year, ranging from $5 million in Wyoming to $1.3 billion in California. These costs are likely to increase following Medicaid expansion and enhanced coverage of weight loss therapies in the form of nutrition consultation, drug therapy, and bariatric surgery. Ensuring and expanding Medicaid-eligible populations' access to cost-effective treatment for severe obesity should be part of each state's strategy to mitigate rising obesity-related health care costs.

Need the password to download the full database of studies?

Join our mailing list to get access to this as well as other key resources demonstrating the financial benefits of lifestyle medicine and health improvements:

Employers/Professionals Click Here

Healthcare Providers Click Here

Search and Filter

Press crtl for multiple selections
Range Between Start Year and End Year

We can help to reverse the trend, with the savings going right to your bottom line.

The solvency of our nation is at stake.

Benefits Evidence Database Consulting Resources Contact

Lifestyle Medicine Economic Research Council

The LMERC is a special project of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization dedicated to advancing the field of lifestyle medicine as the foundation of a transformed and sustainable system of healthcare delivery.

facebook Twitter Contact
LM Economic Consortium
© 2021 American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Site by The Nyberg Group