Thanks to "a simple revision to a government policy manual" by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Medicare may finally change their outlook regarding obesity. Medicare, which was once closed off to obesity, is agreeing to open its doors to obese-related health coverages. All the HHS did was remove the part that started that "obesity is not an illness." A little change like that probably changed the lives of many Americans.
"By law, Medicare covers specified medically necessary services for illness and injury." But because of the fact that obesity is no longer declared an illness, it might be a bit tricky to get Medicare to pay for some treatments.
" 'From the standpoint of Medicare coverage and the health of our beneficiaries, the question isn't whether obesity is a disease or a risk factor. What matters is whether there's scientific evidence that an obesity-related medical treatment improves health,' said CMS Administrator Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. 'This change in Medicare's coverage policy puts the focus on public health. The medical science will now determine whether we provide coverage for the treatments that reduce complications and improve quality of life for the millions of Medicare beneficiaries who are obese.' "
I agree. I really hope that this will take America one step closer to lowering its rate of obesity. Medicare's change of policy really does put the main focus on the well being and health of the public. Technology is so advanced now that anything is possible. People need to let go of their beloved fast food and snack gorging ways and just take a step back and re-assess their health. Now that Medicare took a huge step forward, so should the rest of America.
(http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/olderamericans/a/obesitypolicy.htm)
"By law, Medicare covers specified medically necessary services for illness and injury." But because of the fact that obesity is no longer declared an illness, it might be a bit tricky to get Medicare to pay for some treatments.
" 'From the standpoint of Medicare coverage and the health of our beneficiaries, the question isn't whether obesity is a disease or a risk factor. What matters is whether there's scientific evidence that an obesity-related medical treatment improves health,' said CMS Administrator Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. 'This change in Medicare's coverage policy puts the focus on public health. The medical science will now determine whether we provide coverage for the treatments that reduce complications and improve quality of life for the millions of Medicare beneficiaries who are obese.' "
I agree. I really hope that this will take America one step closer to lowering its rate of obesity. Medicare's change of policy really does put the main focus on the well being and health of the public. Technology is so advanced now that anything is possible. People need to let go of their beloved fast food and snack gorging ways and just take a step back and re-assess their health. Now that Medicare took a huge step forward, so should the rest of America.
(http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/olderamericans/a/obesitypolicy.htm)
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