In the coming weeks, OAC will meet virtually with legislators on Capitol Hill to ramp up momentum on the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, commonly known as TROA. Congress has been considering TROA for nearly a decade, but despite strong support, this critical legislation has not yet been passed.

TROA: What You Need to Know

Help OAC support TROAWhat is TROA?

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) is important legislation that OAC has been supporting since it was first introduced in Congress. If passed, TROA will expand access to obesity healthcare for older Americans with Medicare. It will do this by increasing access to various obesity treatments and providers. In addition, it could also open up the door for other health plans to cover these services. Learn more about TROA Here and Here.

Why Do We Need TROA?

  • Nearly 4 in 10 seniors (approximately 27 million) have obesity, but less than one percent is able to access treatment if needed.
  • More than half of seniors with Medicare are treated for five or more chronic health conditions each year. This legislation can help relieve obesity-related health conditions.
  • The rate of obesity in older Americans is growing. If nothing changes, nearly one in two people with Medicare aged 65 and older could have obesity by 2030.

Why is it Urgent to Pass TROA this Year?

If TROA does not pass this year, it will have to be reintroduced to Congress in 2021. If that happens, efforts to grow support from Congress will have to start all over again!

We cannot afford for this to happen when our country is currently in a crisis with COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 and obesity are at a higher risk for having severe health complications or falling critically ill.

  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated that all Americans with obesity, regardless of age, are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. This means more than 100 million people in our country are potentially in danger from serious illness or death during this pandemic.
  • Data from New York City shows that people with COVID-19 and obesity are twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital, and those with severe obesity are 3.6 times more likely to require critical care such as a ventilator.

Inspired to Take Action? Here’s How!

OAC will be meeting virtually with elected officials on Capitol Hill this month and urging them to work with the current administration to include TROA in the next pandemic relief package. You can help support TROA from home and strengthen our efforts!