Access & Policy Issues

Urge Congress to Pass the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA)!

HERE’S THE ISSUE:This important legislation has been introduced in every Congress since 2013, and it remains a top priority for OAC. If passed, TROA would expand access to comprehensive obesity care for millions of Americans with Medicare — including access to intensive behavioral therapy with qualified healthcare providers and FDA-approved medications.

YOUR ASK:Urge your members of Congress to recognize obesity as the serious, chronic disease it is by cosponsoring the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA).

Thank the Trump Administration for Prioritizing Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: For more than a decade, the OAC has advocated for coverage of comprehensive obesity care, including FDA-approved medications. The Trump Administration announced a plan to lower costs and expand coverage of obesity medications. This is a significant win for thousands of OAC advocates who took action earlier this year!

YOUR ASK: Show your appreciation to the Trump Administration for taking action to expand obesity care!

Urge Congress to Pass the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act (ROYA)

HERE’S THE ISSUE: One in three American children and teens has overweight or obesity, putting them at increased risk for serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. ROYA addresses childhood obesity through evidence-based, early-intervention strategies.

YOUR ASK: Urge your members of Congress to recognize the urgency of addressing childhood obesity by cosponsoring the Reducing Obesity in Youth Act (ROYA).

Urge Congress to Pass the Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Act

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Diet-related chronic diseases continue to drive poor health outcomes and rising healthcare costs, yet Medicare only covers Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) for people with diabetes or kidney disease. This leaves millions of beneficiaries—especially those living with obesity and related conditions—without access to evidence-based nutrition care from registered dietitian nutritionists.

YOUR ASK: Urge your members of Congress to support the Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) Act.

Ask Congress and Department of War to Protect TRICARE Coverage of Obesity Medications

HERE’S THE ISSUE: In August, TRICARE announced that it will no longer cover obesity medications for retirees. For others who still have coverage, prescriptions are now restricted to in-network providers only.

YOUR ASK: Send a letter to your Members of Congress and the DOW urging them to call on TRICARE to reverse this harmful coverage change.

Ohio: Ask Lawmakers to Improve Coverage for Obesity Medications

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Legislation has been introduced that would allow for continued coverage of GLP-1 medications for Ohio state employees under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) via a rebate program. The bill needs to be scheduled for a hearing to move through the legislative process.

YOUR ASK: If you live in Ohio, send a letter to state lawmakers asking them to improve coverage for obesity medications.

Massachusetts: Tell Lawmakers to Protect Coverage for Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Governor Healey’s budget included a proposal that would have eliminated state employee health plan (SEHP) coverage for FDA-approved obesity medications, including GLP-1 therapies. The legislature rejected the proposed change, however, work must be done to preserve this critical coverage in the future.

North Carolina: Tell Lawmakers to Protect Coverage for Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Due to a stalemate in budget negotiations Medicaid coverage of GLP-1 medications for obesity ended on October 1. In early December, Governor Stein’s administration reversed the Medicaid cuts and restored the coverage. This decision restores access to evidence-based obesity care for North Carolinians, protecting patients from preventable complications and improving long-term health outcomes.

YOUR ASK: If you live in North Carolina, send a letter to the governor and state lawmakers asking them to continue to maintain Medicaid coverage for obesity medications.

California: Ask Your Governor and Lawmakers to Protect Coverage for Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: California announced Medi-Cal coverage for GLP-1 medications will end as of January 2026. Taking away this coverage will harm thousands of Californians who have been receiving the care they need to treat and manage their health since 2023.

YOUR ASK: If you live in California, send a letter to state lawmakers and Governor Newsome asking them to protect the Medi-Cal coverage for obesity medications.

Pennsylvania: Tell Governor Shapiro and Lawmakers to Keep Coverage for Obesity Medications

HERE’S THE ISSUE: The Pennsylvania Budget in Brief 2025-2026, includes cuts to Medical Assistance coverage of GLP-1s for the treatment of obesity.

YOUR ASK: If you live in Pennsylvania, send a letter to the governor and state lawmakers asking them to keep coverage of GLP-1s for the treatment of obesity.

Help Make Obesity Treatments Accessible and Affordable!

HERE’S THE ISSUE: The OAC continues the fight to expand access to obesity treatments, and we’re holding decision-makers accountable for their roles in this broken system. While we’ve made significant progress, many treatments are still out of reach due to outdated health policies that are rooted in weight bias. We believe obesity care should be affordable and accessible for everyone. Help us call on lawmakers, health insurance companies and health plan administrators to make obesity treatments a standard benefit; drug manufacturers to lower prices; and pharmacy benefit managers to maximize discounts for patients.

YOUR ASK: Sign the letter of support urging key decision-makers to make obesity medications and treatments affordable and accessible.

ALL STATES: Urge Your State Legislators to Expand Access to Care and #StopWeightBias!

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Access to obesity treatments are too often based on your individual health insurance plan or zip code, and only one state has a law banning weight-based discrimination. It’s time to prioritize obesity care in your state!

YOUR ASK: Help us create a better world for people living with obesity by contacting your state representatives today!

Take an Active Step in Your Healthcare by Reviewing Your Health Insurance Plan!

HERE’S THE ISSUE: The OAC believes ALL insurance plans should cover obesity care and treatment. Obesity is a complex and chronic disease the people should not have to manage alone.

YOUR ASK: Review your insurance to see if it includes obesity care and treatment coverage.