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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 Your Legislators to Support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act by Including its Policy Provisions in COVID-19 Relief
HERE’S THE ISSUE: In recent months, a clear connection has emerged between obesity and COVID-19 severity. Obesity and its related conditions, such as diabetes and sleep apnea, can worsen symptoms of COVID-19 and lead to complications requiring hospitalization. Despite this fact, congressional leadership are failing to pass legislation that will improve access to obesity care.
YOUR ASK: Urge your state’s elected officials to work with congressional leadership – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) – and the Trump Administration to include the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act in the next COVID-19 relief package!
Contact your Governor to Urge Health Plans to Eliminate Barriers to Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: In recent months, a clear connection has emerged between obesity and COVID-19 severity. Having obesity-related conditions (like diabetes or sleep apnea) can worsen symptoms of COVID-19 and lead to complications requiring hospitalization..
YOUR ASK: Urge your Governor to prohibit state health plans from excluding coverage for science-based obesity treatment services such as intensive behavioral therapy, FDA-approved obesity drugs and bariatric surgery.
Sign OAC’s Childhood Obesity Petition if You Believe Children with Obesity Deserve the Same Access to Healthcare as Adults
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Obesity Care Week is raising awareness about childhood obesity and the need for families to have valuable resources to address this issue with their children and provide the necessary care. The OAC supports Obesity Care Week in believing that children with obesity deserve the same access to healthcare as adults.
YOUR ASK: Do you agree that children with obesity deserve the same access to healthcare as adults? If yes, help us raise awareness about this issue and sign-on to Obesity Care Week’s childhood obesity petition!
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.
Urge Pennsylvania State Legislators to Support House Bill 410 Improving Access to Obesity Treatment Medications!
HERE’S THE ISSUE: House Bill 410 (HB 410) would allow FDA-approved medications that treat obesity to be covered under the state’s Medicaid program, if managed care organizations decide coverage for these drugs is medically necessary.
YOUR ASK: Send an email or tweet to your Pennsylvania State Legislator asking them to support HB 410.
Click here for past Access & Policy Issues.
Looking for tools to help you with taking action on Access to Care? Click here for helpful resources.