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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!
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).
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: Last 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.
Massachusetts: Tell Lawmakers to Protect Coverage for Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Governor Healey’s budget included a proposal that would eliminate coverage for FDA-approved obesity medications for state employees and MassHealth beneficiaries. The legislature has the ability to preserve this critical coverage!
YOUR ASK: If you live in Massachusetts, urge lawmakers to protect 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 Reinstate Coverage for Obesity Medications
HERE’S THE ISSUE: As of January 1, 2026 Pennsylvania ended 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 reinstate coverage of GLP-1s for the treatment of obesity.
Rhode Island: Ask Lawmakers to Protect Coverage for Obesity Medications
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Governor McKee’s proposed 2027 budget would eliminate coverage for obesity medications. Removing coverage would create significant barriers to care and limit treatment options for individuals seeking to manage their health.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Rhode Island, send a letter to the governor and state lawmakers asking them to maintain coverage of medications for the treatment of obesity.
Ohio: Ask Lawmakers to Improve Coverage for Obesity Medications
HERE’S THE ISSUE: While Ohio Medicaid covers metabolic and bariatric surgery, it does not cover U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medications due to an outdated policy in the Ohio Administrative Code (§5160-9-03) that prohibits Medicaid coverage of obesity medications.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Ohio, urge Ohio leaders to remove this barrier and ensure people can access the full range of evidence-based obesity treatment options.
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.
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.
Click here for past Access & Policy Issues.
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