Ask Colorado Lawmakers to Support Coverage for Obesity Care

Background: The Colorado General Assembly passed Senate Bill (SB) 48 – Diabetes Prevention & Obesity Treatment Act. Now, the bill is on Governor Polis’ desk ready to be signed into law!

SB25-048 represents a critical step forward in addressing the obesity epidemic by expanding access to evidence-based treatment for individuals with private insurance. Specifically, this legislation will:

● Require large group insurance plans to cover lifestyle counseling, intensive behavioral therapy (IBT), medical nutrition therapy (MNT), and the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP);

● Expand eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery coverage under large group plans to align with 2022 ASMBS guidelines (BMI ≥30 with a comorbidity or BMI ≥35 without);

● Allow large group plans to offer employers the option to include weight-loss medications— including at least one GLP-1 medication—as part of their health plan offerings through increased premiums.

Expanding access to obesity treatments will allow patients and their healthcare providers additional tools in their individual journey to improved health. The time to act is now!

Read more about the issue: Ensuring access to obesity treatment for all Coloradans

Take Action Now: Use the OAC advocacy tool below to urge Governor Polis to sign Colorado Senate Bill (SB) 48 into law!

It’s Easy to Advocate! Use our easy automated message generator below to get started. Once you enter your information, click “next” and you’ll find a template letter to get you started. We encourage you to personalize this letter before sending by including your story and thoughts before sending.