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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).
Tell the Trump Administration to Prioritize Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: Last year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Proposed Rule to expand coverage for obesity medications under Medicare and Medicaid. Thousands of advocates voiced their support for the expanded coverage during the Public Comment period. However, the Trump Administration made the decision not to finalize the expanded coverage, and stated there was possible future regulatory action.
YOUR ASK: Send a letter to the Trump Administration asking them to support CMS in expanding coverage for obesity medications.
California: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support & Protect Coverage for Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The California Senate passed SB 535 Obesity Treatment Parity Act — that would require individual and group health care service plans to provide coverage for the comprehensive treatment of obesity. At the same time, Governor Newsom’s proposed budget includes language that would eliminate Medi-Cal coverage for GLP-1 medications starting in 2026.
We must advocate not only to move this legislation forward, but also to protect and preserve existing Medi-Cal coverage for obesity medications.
YOUR ASK: If you live in California, send a letter to state lawmakers and Governor Newsom asking them to protect the progress made in coverage for obesity care.
North Carolina: Tell Lawmakers to Protect Coverage for Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The North Carolina House of Representatives passed a budget that included language to eliminate Medicaid for obesity medications. The coverage began less than a year ago in August 2024.
YOUR ASK: If you live in North Carolina, send a letter to state lawmakers telling them to protect Medicaid 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.
Connecticut: Urge Your Governor and Lawmakers to Keep Medicaid Coverage For Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: In his proposed budget, Governor Lamont has included language that would repeal Medicaid coverage for FDA-approved obesity medications. Despite the fact, that the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) has not developed a coverage plan for these treatments, which was a provision of a Connecticut law passed in 2023.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Connecticut, send a letter to your Governor and state lawmakers asking them to keep Medicaid coverage for FDA-approved obesity medications.
Maryland: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Coverage for Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The Maryland General Assembly has introduced legislation which would provide coverage for the comprehensive treatment of obesity under Maryland’s Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid). We must advocate to get the bill moved through the legislative process and passed into law!
YOUR ASK: If you live in Maryland, send a letter to state lawmakers asking them to support HB1489/SB876.
Minnesota: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Coverage for Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The Minnesota General Assembly has introduced legislation which would provide coverage for the comprehensive treatment of obesity under state-regulated health plans and Minnesota’s Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid). We must advocate to get the bill moved through the legislative process by getting a hearing then passed into law!
YOUR ASK: If you live in Minnesota, send a letter to state lawmakers asking them to support this important legislation.
Texas: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Coverage for Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The Texas House and Senate introduced legislation that would provide Medicaid coverage for comprehensive obesity treatment. On May 1, 2025, the Texas House Public Health Committee passed HB 2677 with bipartisan support. Now the bill will go to the House Calendars Committee to decide if it is scheduled for a vote by the full House of Representatives.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Texas, please send a letter to state lawmakers asking them to support HB 2677!
Colorado: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Coverage for Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: After garnering widespread support last session, the Diabetes Prevention & Obesity Treatment Act has been reintroduced in the Colorado General Assembly and we must continue the momentum to advocate for passage!
YOUR ASK: If you live in Colorado, send a letter to state lawmakers asking them to support Colorado Senate Bill SB48.
Florida: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Coverage for Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The Diabetes Prevention and Obesity Treatment Act has been introduced in the Florida Legislature. We must advocate to get the bill through the legislative process and passed into law!
YOUR ASK: If you live in Florida, send a letter to state lawmakers asking them to support Florida HB713/S648.
Virginia: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Remove Barriers to Obesity Care
HERE’S THE ISSUE: The Virginia House of Delegates passed a budget with lower BMI restrictions for Medicaid coverage of obesity medications. Now, Governor Younkin wants to restore the original restrictions which only allow patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, or those with a BMI of 37 and certain comorbidities, to access FDA-approved obesity medications.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Virginia, please send a letter to your state lawmakers asking them to reject the Govenor’s budget amendment to restore BMI restrictions for obesity treatments from Medicaid.
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.
Click here for past Access & Policy Issues.
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