July 30, 2026 (Washington, DC) — In response to Governor Mike Braun’s announcement that Indiana’s Medicaid program will participate in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s BALANCE Model, Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention (AWHP) CEO Millicent Gorham issued the following statement: 

“Governor Braun’s decision to direct the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to participate in the BALANCE Model is a meaningful step forward for Hoosiers living with obesity who will now be able to access much needed care. 

This decision is particularly significant for Indiana women, who are disproportionately affected by the physical, social and financial impacts of obesity and are more likely to rely on Medicaid for their healthcare coverage. Obesity medications are about far more than weight loss. They are evidence-based treatment options that can help people manage a serious chronic disease and reduce the risk of complications, including cardiovascular disease, fertility issues, certain cancers and diabetes.

We applaud Indiana for recognizing obesity as the chronic disease that it is and urge every state to follow Indiana’s lead by expanding Medicaid coverage of obesity care. People living with obesity deserve the opportunity to work with their healthcare professionals to determine the treatment that is right for them—and have coverage for that care.”