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Access & Policy Issues
Our community is made up of individuals that believe no matter your weight, size, or economic status, you should have access to science-based treatment and comprehensive care for obesity. The OAC works to help influence government policies, that range from approving treatment options, to improving funding for research. Government policies have such an immense effect on the society we live in. Take action to improve access to care and influence decision makers and the policies they enact!
Tell Washington to cover obesity care in Medicare!
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The federal government doesn’t cover or pay for obesity medications in the Medicare prescription drug program. Washington refers to an old rule that doesn’t allow coverage for drugs meant for weight loss or gain. Also, Medicare Part B only lets some healthcare providers give intensive behavioral therapy for obesity which means not all patients can get the help they need. These old rules do not align with new scientific updates about treating obesity, today’s health guidelines, and the way many government agencies and states understand obesity as a serious disease and cover these medications.
YOUR ASK: Ask government officials in Washington to make sure obesity medications are covered under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program and to allow more healthcare and community providers to offer intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) through Medicare Part B.
Urge Your Federal Legislators to Prioritize Obesity Care!
HERE’S THE ISSUE: OAC continues its fight to expand coverage of obesity treatments under Medicare. In previous Congressional sessions, we supported the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, and this year the fight continues! While a bill has not been introduced yet, OAC is working hard to ensure that we treat obesity in the same way that we treat other chronic diseases, allowing people with obesity the access to quality care they need without significant barriers.
YOUR ASK: Help us by urging your Federal Representatives to acknowledge obesity for the chronic disease that it is and prioritize obesity care by taking steps to expand access to treatment.
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!
Louisiana: Urge Lawmakers to Expand Access to Obesity Treatments
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Louisiana ranks 2nd in the nation for states impacted by obesity – over 40% of residents are affected by obesity and another 31% by overweight. But access to obesity treatments is often dependent on your employer or zip code. Help expand access to safe and effective obesity treatments in Louisiana today using OAC’s online advocacy tool. It’s quick and easy, and a customizable letter to your representative has already been created for you!
YOUR ASK: If you live in Louisiana, please send a letter to key lawmakers urging them to support SB 106, which will require insurance plans to cover bariatric surgery for adults with severe obesity.
Virginia: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Virginia ranks 23rd in the nation for obesity rates, with over 34% of its residents having obesity and another 33% having overweight. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to obesity treatment, NOT adding new hurdles for patients and their healthcare providers.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Virginia, please send a letter to your state representatives urging them to remove BMI restrictions for obesity treatments from the proposed budget.
North Carolina DROPS COVERAGE for obesity medications for State Employees
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The NC State Health Plan Board of Trustees voted to discontinue coverage of FDA-approved obesity medications for state workers beginning April 1st. This is a significant setback for state workers who have been using these medications, and for the entire obesity community. It is critical to ensure that people with obesity have access to comprehensive obesity care in the same way we treat other diseases.
YOUR ASK: If you live in North Carolina, please send a letter to the Board and urge them to find a solution to keep obesity medications covered under the state employee health plan.
California: Urge Lawmakers to Expand Access to Obesity Treatments
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Over 28% of California residents are affected by obesity and another 34% by overweight, but access to obesity treatments is often dependent on your employer or zip code. Help expand access to safe and effective obesity treatments in California today using OAC’s online advocacy tool. It’s quick and easy, and a customizable letter to your representative has already been created for you!
YOUR ASK: If you live in California, please send a letter to key lawmakers urging them to support SB 1008 which will expand options for the treatment of obesity.
West Virginia DROPS COVERAGE for obesity Medications for State Employees
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency has discontinued coverage of GLP-1 obesity medications for state employees. West Virginia ranks FIRST in the nation of states impacted by obesity, with over 41% of our residents affected by obesity and another 33% by overweight. This decision ties the hands of patients and healthcare providers to make the best decisions for their personal journey toward improved health by excluding highly effective and safe treatment options.
YOUR ASK: Urge West Virginia decision makers to reverse their decision to drop coverage of obesity medications for state employees.
Colorado: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Over 25% of Colorado residents are affected by obesity and another 35% by overweight, but access to obesity treatments is often dependent on your employer or zip code. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to comprehensive obesity treatments for Colorado residents.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Colorado, please send a letter to key lawmakers urging them to expand access to obesity treatments.
Tennessee: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Tennessee ranks 5th in the nation for obesity rates, with over 38% of its residents having obesity and another 32% having overweight. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to comprehensive obesity treatments for Tennessee residents.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Tennessee, please send a letter to key lawmakers urging them to expand access to obesity treatments and stop weight bias.
Maryland: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Maryland ranks 22nd in the nation for obesity rates, with over 34% of its residents having obesity and another 33% having overweight. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to comprehensive obesity treatments for Maryland residents.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Maryland, please send a letter to key lawmakers urging them to expand access to obesity treatments and stop weight bias.
Nebraska: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Nebraska ranks 17th in the nation for obesity rates, with over 35% of its residents having obesity and another 35% having overweight. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to comprehensive obesity treatments for Nebraska residents.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Nebraska, please send a letter to key lawmakers urging them to expand access to obesity treatments and stop weight bias.
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.
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