Ask Massachusetts Lawmakers to Protect Coverage for Obesity Medications

Background: Last year, the legislature rejected a proposal in Governor Healey’s budget that would have eliminated state employee coverage for FDA-approved obesity medications, including GLP-1 therapies. Unfortunately, this year the governor has once again proposed cutting coverage for state employees and has also included a proposal to eliminate coverage under MassHealth (Medicaid).

The Group Insurance Commission (GIC) recently voted to end coverage. Last month, a budget amendment was introduced in the House that would maintain coverage under GIC and MassHealth. Unfortunately, the amendment did not pass the House, but there is another chance to save coverage as the Senate takes up the budget. The time to act is NOW!

Read more about the issue: The Boston Globe: The cruel costs of denying anti-obesity medications

Watch recent news coverage on the issue: Doctors, patients react to potential MassHealth cuts to GLP-1 coverage

Take Action Now: Use the OAC advocacy tool to urge Governor Healey and MA lawmakers to treat obesity the same as we treat other chronic diseases by protecting coverage for obesity medications.

It’s Easy to Advocate! Use our automated message generator below to get started. You’ll find an easy to use template letter to get you started, and we encourage you to personalize this letter by including your story and thoughts before sending.