What is TROA?
The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) aims to improve access to safe, effective and life-changing treatments for obesity for Medicare beneficiaries. Obesity is a complex, chronic condition that impacts over 100 million Americans. Unfortunately, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) still prohibits Medicare prescription drug coverage of obesity medications, and the National Coverage Determination (NCD) for intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) for obesity is overly restrictive to the types of health professionals and settings of care.
TROA (H.R. 4818/S. 2407) aims to effectively treat and address obesity in older Americans by:
- Enhancing Medicare beneficiaries’ access to healthcare providers that are best suited to provide IBT.
- Allowing Medicare Part D to cover FDA-approved obesity medications.
When was TROA first introduced?
TROA was first introduced during the 113th Congressional session in 2013. It is a bill that has received support from both Republicans and Democrats. The bill was re-introduced in every subsequent Congress since the 113th.
Has TROA been introduced in the current Congressional session?
TROA was reintroduced into the 118th Congress by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in the Senate and Representatives Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Gwen Moore (D-WI) in the House, respectively. Now, it’s time to strengthen the bill’s Congressional support and urge legislators to co-sponsor TROA and push for the final passage of the legislation.
Why is TROA important?
Obesity impacts 41.9% of Americans. Being affected by excess weight, obesity, or severe obesity significantly increases the risk of developing many other diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and osteoarthritis.
TROA will provide more treatment options for obesity such as FDA-approved medication coverage and access to IBT.
Who will benefit from TROA?
Medicare recipients will directly benefit from TROA, and all Americans could benefit as health insurance companies traditionally model their coverage plans after Medicare.
Additionally, obesity costs the US healthcare system almost $173 billion per year. Addressing obesity comprehensively and proactively through medications and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce other healthcare costs, as demonstrated by a Veterans Health Administration (VA) study.
Will I benefit from TROA?
In one form or another, all Americans will benefit from this bill as better access to healthcare allows for better living for all. Even if you are not a Medicare recipient, changes to insurance coverage plans that follow the Medicare changes can benefit you. If you or a loved one suffer from obesity, insurance coverage that includes specialized treatment and FDA-approved medications for chronic weight management can allow for better access to healthcare and improved health.
Where can I learn more about TROA?
Additional information about TROA can be found at ObesityAction.org/TROA.
Why should I support TROA?
We’re proud that TROA has the support of over 130 bipartisan members of Congress, who recognize that addressing the obesity epidemic is an important issue for all Americans.
Can I find out if my Senators and Representative support TROA?
Yes! You can easily find out if your Senator or Representative supports the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act by completing the form at the bottom of the page at: ObesityAction.org/TROA.
How can I help with the passage of TROA?
You can visit ObesityAction.org/TROA and complete the Take Action form found at the bottom of the page. Once you complete the form you will be able to send emails to your representatives in Congress urging them to support TROA and become a cosponsor.