by Obesity Action Coalition

Yesterday, Ohio State Rep. Josh Williams introduced legislation that would allow for continued coverage of GLP-1 medications for Ohio state employees under the State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) via a rebate program.

The news comes on the heels of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) announcing that it was ending coverage under SEHP as of July 1.

“We know that obesity is a serious issue in our community,” Rep. Williams said today. “We are trying to provide for our employees to be healthy and sometimes it takes the assistance of medications to do that. This is a conservative and creative way to reduce the cost of prescriptions here in the state of Ohio.”

Rep. Williams also said that expanding GLP-1 coverage under Medicaid in Ohio is something “we would look at in the future.”

While OAC believes GLP-1s should be covered by insurance in the same way as other chronic medications are for state employees – similar to cancer and heart disease – we appreciate that Rep. Williams recognizes both the value of GLP-1 availability as part of a comprehensive obesity treatment program, and the desire for improved access in Ohio under Medicaid. 

OAC will continue to monitor the legislation as it moves through the Ohio Statehouse and keep you updated. Know that OAC is fighting for everyone living with overweight and obesity, and we will not stop working for the improved health of all Ohioans.

Help us fuel our drive for meaningful change by donating to the OAC Action Fund.

Click here to read our letter to Representative Williams urging expanded coverage for OMs.

Click here to read the joint OAC & ADA letter to the Ohio Department of Medicaid.