This week, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont approved a bill that expands Medicaid and Husky B coverage for prescription weight-loss drugs, nutrition counseling and bariatric surgery. This will give patients and healthcare providers more tools on their journey to improved health. Connecticut ranks 39th in states impacted by obesity. More than 30% of adults in Connecticut have obesity, and more than 35% of adults have overweight.
Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and our Community played a key role in making this win possible. Our dedicated OAC Members generated 2,277 letters to decision-makers – an ALL-TIME RECORD in OAC history! OAC also sent written testimony, and our leaders, volunteers, and allies testified in support of this bill.
“SB977 will expand coverage for both medications and bariatric surgery for people with obesity – treatments that may greatly improve overall health and the many obesity-related medical conditions, such as diabetes and liver disease. Expanded treatment options can lead to better health outcomes for patients that have long struggled with this disease but are denied the care they need. I applaud my state for prioritizing access to care for my patients,” said Neil Floch, MD, Director of Bariatric Surgery at Greenwich Hospital in Connecticut.
OAC believes that obesity is a complex, chronic disease that requires serious action, access to science-based treatment and comprehensive obesity care to improve quality of life and health. We demand that people affected by obesity have equitable access to affordable medical coverage in the same way as those with other chronic diseases. People with obesity should be treated with the same dignity and respect offered to their peers.
“I applaud Governor Lamont’s approval of the SB977. By recognizing the importance of comprehensive obesity care, Connecticut is setting a commendable example for the rest of the nation. This legislation brings us one step closer to a society that prioritizes the improved health and well-being of all its members,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.
OAC and our Community are continuously fighting for a better world for people with obesity, and our action is making an impact. We commend Connecticut decision-makers for prioritizing comprehensive obesity care. This is a major victory in our battle for access to obesity care for all.
If you live in the state of Connecticut and want to share how the passing of this bill will positively impact your life, we want to hear from you! Please click here to share your story. Relaying real-life stories when OAC meets with decision-makers is significantly more impactful than simply sharing statistics. You may choose to submit anonymously. We also encourage anyone living in Connecticut to send a thank you letter to your state representatives.
We still need your help in this fight. It’s time to take action to ensure that all U.S. states prioritize access to care. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Connecticut Residents: Send a thank you letter to your representative.
- If you don’t live in Connecticut, you can still take action and urge your decision-makers to expand access to care in your state by visiting OAC’s Action Center.
- Join the OAC Community as a Community+ Member for access to hundreds of additional educational resources.
- Help us make the world a kinder, more inclusive place for people with obesity by supporting our mission.