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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 President Trump 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. During the Public Comment period, thousands of advocates voiced their support for the expanded coverage. CMS is currently reviewing the comments submitted and is expected to publish the finalized rule in April.
YOUR ASK: Send a letter to President Trump asking him to support CMS in expanding coverage for obesity medications.
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.
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: Last year, Virginia lawmakers passed a budget that included restrictions on Medicaid coverage for obesity medications based on BMI, which goes against standard clinical guidelines. The budget for the upcoming fiscal year is currently being drafted and budget items have been introduced in both the House and Senate that will remove the current restrictive language from the budget.
YOUR ASK: If you live in Virginia, please send a letter to your state lawmakers asking them to support budget items to remove 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.
Looking for tools to help you with taking action on Access to Care? Click here for helpful resources.