From Your Weight Matters Columbus to conversations with state leaders, OAC continues working to improve access to comprehensive obesity care.

Access to obesity care remains a challenge for many Ohioans. For years, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has advocated for Ohio Medicaid to cover FDA-approved obesity medications. In 2025, Ohio also ended coverage for GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight management through the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP).

These changes affect real people and their ability to access appropriate treatment. OAC continues to address these challenges through community education and advocacy with state leaders.

Bringing Education to Columbus

At the recent Your Weight Matters Regional in Columbus, OAC brought people together for education, connection and conversations about weight and health.

Ohio Representatives Josh Williams and Dontavius Jarrells provided welcome remarks, sharing their personal experiences of accessing obesity care and then losing that access. They encouraged attendees to contact their elected representatives and advocate for improved coverage.

Your Weight Matters Regional events provide a welcoming environment where people can access trusted information, connect with others and learn more about managing weight and health.

Advocating for Better Coverage

OAC’s advocacy in Ohio focuses on improving access to comprehensive obesity care through both Medicaid and employer-sponsored health plans.

Ohio Medicaid: OAC has spent years urging state leaders to remove barriers preventing Ohio Medicaid from covering FDA-approved obesity medications. Expanding coverage would give eligible beneficiaries and their healthcare providers more treatment options.

State Employee Health Plan: Following the 2025 coverage changes, Rep. Williams and Rep. Jarrells introduced legislation to establish a reimbursement program for state employees. The Ohio Department of Administrative Services subsequently introduced a third-party obesity management program. OAC has raised concerns about the limitations of this approach and continues to advocate for access to appropriate, comprehensive care.

OAC has also elevated these issues through public statements and opinion pieces, highlighting how coverage decisions affect people living with obesity.

While in Ohio, OAC Senior Advocacy Manager Sarah Bramblette, MSHL met with Ohio Medicaid representatives to discuss the need for improved coverage for comprehensive obesity care, including obesity medications. These conversations help bring patient experiences and evidence-based information directly to decision-makers.

Help Improve Access to Care

Education and advocacy go hand in hand. Through Your Weight Matters Regional events and ongoing conversations with state leaders, OAC is working to ensure Ohioans have access to the science-based treatment options they need.

Ohio residents can help make a difference by contacting state leaders and advocating for improved coverage. Take Action for Better Obesity Care Coverage in Ohio.

Together, we can work toward a future where access to comprehensive obesity care is within reach for everyone who needs it.