Since 2017, TRICARE has provided comprehensive obesity care for its beneficiaries — including coverage for FDA-approved obesity medications. But in August 2025, that changed.

TRICARE announced that retirees would no longer have coverage for these medications and that other beneficiaries could only access coverage through in-network providers.

This decision isn’t just unfair — it’s dangerous. It tells service members, retirees and their families, who sacrifice every single day, that their health doesn’t matter. And it risks national security by making it harder for active-duty members to stay healthy and ready to serve. These changes are already harming people who depend on this care to live healthier, more active lives.

Retirees and Medicare-eligible beneficiaries are particularly affected. TRICARE For Life coverage has ended for these populations. Patients are being told “no appeals, no exceptions,” despite what TRICARE’s website states. Many were given little notice, and communication about these changes was poorly handled. Coverage is also being denied for other FDA-approved indications, such as sleep apnea, leaving patients with no viable alternatives. These are all issues directly raised by those impacted.

This Veterans Day, Take Action
Just as OAC helped advocate for this coverage in 2017, we continue the fight today. We’ve met with several congressional offices on the Armed Services Committee and sent a letter to the Department of War requesting a meeting to discuss access to obesity medications for military families and retirees. They deserve better—health coverage decisions should be guided by science and care, not cost-cutting. Use OAC’s automated advocacy tool to send a message to your Members of Congress. Let’s ensure we keep our promise to those who serve our country
and can access the care they need to protect their health.