Medicaid offers nutrition counseling to combat obesity in SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Poor, obese South Carolinians covered by Medicaid can get help slimming down through nutritional counseling sessions aimed at stemming chronic and costly health problems.

The Department of Health and Human Services added the services this month for the estimated 184,000 Medicaid-covered adults with a body mass index of 30 or more.

With a doctor’s referral, patients can receive individualized advice from doctors and licensed dietitians.

Medicaid will pay for up to 12 counseling sessions that include education on nutrition and exercise, and help planning healthy meals on a limited budget.

The goal is to reduce obesity rates in a state that consistently ranks among the fattest nationwide, saving lives and money.

Director Christian Soura says the program is somewhat experimental and may need adjustment later.