What They’re Saying: CMS’ Proposal to Expand Medicare and Medicaid Coverage for Obesity Medications (Part 2)
February 24, 2025
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) recent proposal to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage of obesity medications for weight loss has garnered broad support from stakeholders across the health care ecosystem.
Thousands of organizations and individuals – such as those living with obesity, healthcare providers, policy experts and state legislators – have touted the benefits of expanded coverage in public comments and other statements.
Experts and advocates are pointing to the impact that obesity has on overall health, the effect the disease has on American women, and the economic benefits of addressing the disease and related conditions as reasons why policymakers should prioritize coverage for evidence-based care.
As the quotes below highlight, many are supportive of this proposal.
The disease of obesity takes a significant toll on the health of Americans and leads to other serious chronic diseases.
“Another patient of mine, who had type 2 diabetes and obesity, was initially hesitant to starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Her diabetes was uncontrolled, and her quality of life was declining. After discussing the benefits, she decided to give it a try. Three months later, she returned to my office having lost 15 pounds. Her energy levels were higher, her diabetes was better controlled, and she was able to play with her grandson—a moment that brought her immense joy. Her grandson told her, ‘Grandma, I’m so glad you’re putting your health first.’ That comment touched her deeply and reinforced her decision to prioritize her health. These stories are not isolated; they represent the transformative power of effective obesity treatment. Obesity management is not about vanity or appearance. It’s about improving health, preventing complications, and enhancing quality of life.” – Alicia Shelly, MD FACP DABOM, Obesity Medicine Physician
“Over the years, my weight gain has led to heart issues that severely limit my daily functioning. My heart condition prevents me from participating in any meaningful physical activity, making weight management even more challenging—It’s a truly vicious cycle.” – Robert Snaidman, Individual Affected by Obesity
Obesity is impacting the lives of women across the country.
“I personally have struggled with weight in my adult life and have seen the negative impact on my physical and mental health. Like many other women in America, I struggled with weight gain after pregnancy. I was also diagnosed with pre-diabetes because of obesity. It was an eye-opening moment for me, and I was determined to do something about it. For me exercise can only go so far, but access to medication would make all the difference.” – Tiana Stowers Pearson, Individual Affected by Obesity
“As an African American woman, this issue is personal to me because several relatives in both my patriarchal and matriarchal lines have died prematurely due to obesity-related problems. (…) Obesity is a healthy care crisis that severely impacts Black women in the United States, with approximately four out of every five suffering from overweight or obesity. This trend poses significant health risks, leading to increased incidences of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers. Beyond physical health, obesity significantly contributes to economic and educational disparities and mental health challenges, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and discrimination.” – Carolyn Quick Tillery, On Behalf of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) New Dominion Section
“Women with obesity are also more likely to face harmful social stigma and discrimination. According to a GlobalData report, women with overweight or obesity earn 9% less in wages, on average, than women of a healthy weight. Women with obesity also less likely to be promoted at work, and as many as 69% of women with obesity face weight bias in healthcare settings.” – Millicent Gorham, CEO, Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention, Convener of the EveryBODY Covered Campaign
Investing in obesity treatment now will yield economic gains over the long run.
“Unnecessary bureaucratic regulations like the current restrictions on anti-obesity drugs are the enemy of progress. (…) Meanwhile, obesity and related chronic illnesses led to more than $481 billion in direct healthcare costs between 2010 and 2017. American taxpayers can’t afford this. (…) I implore you to implement this rule to help Make America Healthy Again.” – Charlotte Rasmussen, Former President of the Wisconsin Federation of Republican Women
“The Joint Economic Committee estimates government spending on obesity will exceed $4 trillion by 2033. We must reduce these costs, and done right, expanding access to obesity medications can help make a real dent and improve life for millions of Americans.” – Joe Grogan, University of Southern California Schaeffer Institute in STAT News
“While it will take time to fully realize some of the health benefits and cost offsets from reductions in obesity-related conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, cancer) and see the beneficial impact of these drugs on other non-obesity-related conditions (e.g., alcohol and other substance abuse), expanding access for these highly effective obesity medicines to Medicare beneficiaries and paying for them by competitive price reductions, judicious use, and reducing the billions of taxpayer dollars spent in the US annually on unnecessary care, can help make Americans Healthier (again) and not break the federal bank.” – A. Mark Fendrick, MD, University of Michigan Center for Value-Based Insurance Design; Kirsten Axelsen, American Enterprise Institute in RealClear Health
“Should CMS pass this rule to cover anti-obesity medications (AOMs), experts anticipate long-term savings for Medicare and Medicaid could be $66 billion over the next ten years. As a state legislator concerned not only with the health of our citizens but the responsible use of tax dollars, those long-term savings are significant.” – Rep. Phillip Lowe, SC House of Representatives
“Often, employers hire seniors and people with Medicaid who deal with obesity and its complications. The loss in productivity and costs involved with treatment strain our economy, and expanded coverage through Medicare Part D and Medicaid will help individuals deal with this problem.” – John Falconetti, Chairman and CEO, Drummond Press
“The expansion would not only benefit individuals but also alleviate long-term healthcare costs by reducing the incidence of obesity-related diseases, hospitalizations, and other complications. This proposal would benefit 3.4 million Americans, and reduce their out-of-pocket costs for anti-obesity medications by as much as 95 percent.” – Ted Streeter, Former Mayor and Councilman of Gettysburg, PA
Advancing coverage for obesity care is a meaningful step policymakers can take to curb America’s chronic disease epidemic.
For more information, visit everyBODYcovered.org. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@everybodycovered.org.