Bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act Aims to Improve Medicare Coverage

National Council on Aging Applauds the Reintroduction of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act

On June 5, 2025, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) expressed its approval for the reintroduction of the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) in the U.S. Senate. This significant legislation aims to expand Medicare's coverage for obesity treatment, recognizing the severe impact this chronic disease has on older Americans, who comprise a significant portion of the affected population.

Importance of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act

The TROA, initially introduced more than a decade ago, seeks to improve access to comprehensive obesity care, addressing the stigma and lack of resources available for combating obesity in the United States. Approximately 40% of older adults suffer from obesity, increasing the urgency for legislative change. With the support from both Republicans and Democrats, the TROA represents a unified effort to tackle the nation's escalating obesity crisis.

Senators Bill Cassidy and Ben Ray Luján lead the charge, underscoring the importance of making meaningful healthcare options available for older adults suffering from obesity. Ramsey Alwin, NCOA President and CEO, articulated the struggle many face in obtaining adequate care, stating, "Obesity is a chronic condition that has affected millions of Americans for decades, but getting adequate care remains stubbornly difficult for too many older adults." The reintroduction of this legislation marks a crucial step towards ensuring accessibility to essential obesity treatments.

Key Provisions of the Act

If successfully passed, the TROA will mandate Medicare to cover anti-obesity medications that have received FDA approval, including prominent treatments such as GLP-1s. Additionally, it seeks to broaden access to intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) for weight management, which is currently limited under Medicare Part B. Under existing policies, IBT is only available through primary care providers; however, the new legislation proposes that registered dietitian nutritionists, obesity medicine specialists, endocrinologists, and other healthcare professionals also be able to provide this essential support.

This expansion is pivotal; providing various health care professionals the ability to deliver lifestyle-based interventions will ensure that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs. Addressing obesity through various pathways not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the overall healthcare burden associated with obesity-related conditions.

The Ongoing Obesity Crisis

The obesity epidemic poses substantial health risks and contributes to over 200 medical conditions, factoring into an estimated 400,000 deaths annually in the United States. With obesity-related healthcare costs soaring—around $173 billion reported in 2019—enhancing insurance coverage for obesity treatments will not only benefit patients but could also alleviate financial pressures on the healthcare system and taxpayers alike.

According to research from the USC Schaffer Center, improved access to innovative anti-obesity medications produces a significant return on investment. Furthermore, employees utilizing anti-obesity medications reportedly experienced lower growth in medical costs over a two-year period compared to those who did not use these treatments. This evidence highlights the economic benefits of expanding access to obesity-related healthcare.

Beyond the direct financial implications, NCOA has proactively advocated for the fair treatment of older adults with obesity. In collaboration with organizations like the National Consumers League, they contributed to developing the Obesity Bill of Rights, which strives to eliminate weight stigma and ensure safeguard rights for individuals facing obesity challenges.

Conclusion

As the legislative process unfolds, the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act could serve as a turning point in how obesity is addressed within the healthcare system. It reflects a growing acknowledgment among lawmakers that obesity requires a multilateral approach, integrating medication, behavioral therapy, and comprehensive care into the national strategy for health improvement. If enacted, this bill could significantly influence the lives of millions of older Americans struggling with obesity, offering them the necessary resources to pursue a healthier future. For more details on the work of the NCOA and ongoing initiatives related to aging well, visit www.ncoa.org and follow on social media at @NCOAging.