NW Valley Times

Americans need better tools to manage their health, according to witnesses at a Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing. Nearly 90 percent of the $4.1 trillion spent on health care annually in the U.S. is due to chronic diseases. Addressing obesity, a significant risk factor, could save taxpayers up to $500 billion each year.

Witnesses highlighted successful programs within Medicare, such as innovative Medicare Advantage coverage options and value-based care delivery, which have improved patient health. This hearing follows the Ways and Means Committee's earlier vote to provide innovative treatments for chronic disease management. In June, the committee advanced bipartisan legislation requiring Medicare to cover anti-obesity medications, multi-cancer early detection tests, innovative medical devices, and pilot a medically-tailored meal program. This week, the House unanimously approved H.R. 3800, the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act.

A new report from Republicans on the Joint Economic Committee calculates that obesity will cost the federal government an additional $9.1 trillion over the next decade. Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-01) stated: “We did the math on obesity in America... We calculate that over the next 10 years, obesity in America may add an additional $9.1 trillion additional health care costs.”

Expanding access to innovative testing for chronic diseases is seen as crucial for early treatment initiation. Former Senator Bill Frist emphasized bridging gaps between test results and subsequent care, especially for rural patients: “There’s a huge gap between if you have a positive result or a negative result... How do you get to that facility?”

The hearing also focused on preventive medicine through better food utilization to address chronic diseases at their root causes rather than managing them post-diagnosis. Dr. Mark Hyman from the Institute for Functional Health remarked: “In America, we mop up the floor while the sink overflows... How do we turn off the faucet?”

Medicare Advantage offers various programs aimed at preventing and treating chronic diseases. Nearly four million seniors are enrolled in plans with food and produce benefits. Special Needs Plans (SNPs) provide specialized care for individuals with severe chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03) asked about incentivizing stronger patient-provider relationships through plan design. Dr. Francesca Rinaldo of SCAN Health Plan responded: “We often eliminate or reduce costs for preventive care services like primary care visits... For our diabetic members, we provide services and benefits that include no-cost insulin and low-cost other drugs.”