West Virginia Public Broadcasting Highlights Impact of PEIA Coverage Decision on People Living with Obesity

West Virginia Public Broadcasting recently reported about the impact of West Virginia’s Public Employees Insurance Agency’s (PEIA) decision to cancel a pilot program that covered obesity medications.  

The piece featured Cassie Maxwell, a West Virginian and patient advocate living with obesity, who received comprehensive care through the pilot program. By taking obesity medications, Cassie was able to lose weight and alleviate related health problems such as high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Now Maxwell, along with many other West Virginians struggling with obesity, fears the return of those health risks following the cancelation of coverage for obesity medications through the pilot program.  

As Maxwell told WVPB, obesity should be covered just as care for other chronic conditions is covered.  

The EveryBODY Covered campaign is working to empower women to advocate for coverage with their employers and elected officials.  Everyone living with obesity should have coverage for the full range of evidence-based obesity care to allow them to live their healthiest lives. 

Read more in West Virginia Public Broadcasting.