My name is Clark Berry, and I am committed to making a change and building a better life for myself and others. I am working to improve my health, strengthen my quality of life, and create a healthier future. This issue is personal to me because I understand how hard it can be to make progress without affordable access to fitness resources.
For many people on Medicaid, including myself and others in similar situations, gym memberships are too expensive to pay for out of pocket. Some of us are unable to work, and others who do work still cannot afford the cost of regular fitness access. That creates a serious barrier for people who are trying to improve their health, lose weight, and prevent future medical problems.
Regular exercise is an important part of preventive health. It can help with weight management, improve overall wellness, and reduce the risk of serious health conditions over time. Yet access to fitness support is not guaranteed for Medicaid members in a consistent and standard way, even though many people with private insurance already receive gym benefits or wellness support. That gap is unfair and leaves too many people without the tools they need to take control of their health.
I urge the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to establish a standard gym and fitness benefit across all Medicaid plans. Every Medicaid member should have equal access to basic fitness support, regardless of which plan they are on. This would promote better health, support weight loss and prevention, and help create a stronger, healthier Michigan for everyone.