Help us remove the barriers that prevent access to care.

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 Federal Legislators to Prioritize Obesity Care!

HERE’S THE ISSUE: OAC continues its fight to expand coverage of obesity treatments under Medicare. In previous Congressional sessions, we supported the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, and this year the fight continues! While a bill has not been introduced yet, OAC is working hard to ensure that we treat obesity in the same way that we treat other chronic diseases, allowing people with obesity the access to quality care they need without significant barriers.

YOUR ASK: Help us by urging your Federal Representatives to acknowledge obesity for the chronic disease that it is and prioritize obesity care by taking steps to expand access to treatment.

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West Virginia DROPS COVERAGE for Anti-obesity Medications for State Employees

HERE’S THE ISSUE: The West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency has discontinued coverage of GLP-1 anti-obesity medications for state employees. West Virginia ranks FIRST in the nation of states impacted by obesity, with over 41% of our residents affected by obesity and another 33% by overweight. This decision ties the hands of patients and healthcare providers to make the best decisions for their personal journey toward improved health by excluding highly effective and safe treatment options.

YOUR ASK: Urge West Virginia decision makers to reverse their decision to drop coverage of anti-obesity medications for state employees.

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Colorado: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Over 25% of Colorado residents are affected by obesity and another 35% by overweight, but access to obesity treatments is often dependent on your employer or zip code. SB24-054 would require Medicaid, the State Employee Health Plan, and all private insurance plans in Colorado to provide coverage for the treatment of the chronic disease of obesity and the treatment of pre-diabetes, including coverage for intensive behavioral or lifestyle therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved anti-obesity medication.

YOUR ASK: If you live in Colorado, please send a letter to key State Senators urging them to support SB24-054 which expands access to obesity treatments.

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Maryland: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Maryland ranks 22nd in the nation for obesity rates, with over 34% of its residents having obesity and another 33% having overweight. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to comprehensive obesity treatments for Medicaid recipients.

YOUR ASK: If you live in Maryland, please send a letter to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Health and Government Operations Committee members urging them to support HB 0986 and SB 0594 which would expand access to intensive behavioral therapy, anti-obesity medications, and bariatric surgery for Medicaid recipients.

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Virginia: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Virginia ranks 23rd in the nation for obesity rates, with over 34% of its residents having obesity and another 33% having overweight. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to obesity treatment, NOT adding new hurdles for patients and their healthcare providers.

YOUR ASK: If you live in Virginia, please send a letter to your state representatives urging them to oppose SB-30 and HB-30 which restricts coverage for anti-obesity medications for Medicaid recipients.

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Nebraska: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Nebraska ranks 17th in the nation for obesity rates, with over 35% of its residents having obesity and another 35% having overweight. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to intensive behavioral therapy and anti-obesity medications for Medicaid recipients.

YOUR ASK: If you live in Nebraska, please send a letter to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee members urging them to support LB 907 which expands access to anti-obesity medications and intensive behavioral therapy for Medicaid recipients.

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North Carolina DROPS COVERAGE for Anti-obesity Medications for State Employees

HERE’S THE ISSUE: The NC State Health Plan Board of Trustees voted to discontinue coverage of FDA-approved anti-obesity medications for state workers beginning April 1st. This is a significant setback for state workers who have been using these medications, and for the entire obesity community. It is critical to ensure that people with obesity have access to comprehensive obesity care in the same way we treat other diseases.

YOUR ASK: If you live in North Carolina, please send a letter to the Board and urge them to find a solution to keep anti-obesity medications covered under the state employee health plan.

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Tennessee: Urge Your State Decision Makers to Expand Access to Obesity Care

HERE’S THE ISSUE: Tennessee ranks 5th in the nation for obesity rates, with over 38% of its residents having obesity and another 32% having overweight. Now is the time to prioritize obesity care by expanding access to anti-obesity medications for Medicaid recipients.

YOUR ASK: If you live in Tennessee, please send a letter to Governor Lee and your state representatives urging them to support SB-674 and HB-1315 which expands access to anti-obesity medications.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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