Obesity Action Coalition Praises Biden Administration for Expanding Access to Obesity Medications

Obesity Action Coalition Praises Biden Administration for Health Policy Improvement

In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility, the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) has expressed its appreciation to the Biden Administration for its recent proposal aimed at expanding access to obesity medications for Americans covered under Medicare and Medicaid. This comes at a time when addressing obesity is becoming increasingly pivotal in public health discussions, especially as the challenges of obesity-related health issues grow in prominence across the nation.

The announcement, made during Thanksgiving week, signifies a landmark shift in how obesity is viewed in the healthcare system. Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO, highlighted that for over ten years, the organization, alongside numerous partner groups, has been advocating for a broader understanding of obesity medications as critical treatments for the disease rather than merely weight-loss solutions.

"This is incredible. For more than a decade, the OAC, alongside partner organizations, has advocated for the recognition that obesity medications are far more than just weight-loss drugs," Nadglowski stated. He emphasized that they are essential therapeutics necessary for managing obesity, which is now officially recognized as a complex disease.

Back in May, the OAC spearheaded a letter campaign consisting of 57 organizations, including patients, healthcare providers, and advocates from various communities. They collectively urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to ensure comprehensive obesity care access. The campaign garnered considerable public support, with upwards of 1,500 OAC members contributing to the push, sending over 5,500 letters demanding Medicare Part D coverage for obesity medications and the expansion of providers qualified to administer intensive behavioral therapy under Medicare Part B.

Dr. Tracy Zvenyach, OAC’s Director of Policy Strategy and Alliances, pointed out the bipartisan nature of obesity care advocacy. She mentioned the numerous engagements held with the Biden Administration, noting the rewarding nature of witnessing their discussions materializing into actual policy changes. "Obesity care is a bipartisan issue. We've had numerous meetings with the Biden Administration about access to care, and it’s rewarding to see these efforts update policies that will improve the lives of people with obesity," Dr. Zvenyach asserted.

As the OAC moves forward, they are calling on the public and stakeholders to join them in thanking the Biden Administration for this proposed rule, which is expected to pave the way for improved health outcomes for millions of Americans suffering from obesity. The organization continues urging individuals to take action and be part of the advocacy to ensure that these crucial changes come to fruition.

Founded in 2005, the Obesity Action Coalition is a leading non-profit organization with over 85,000 members dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by obesity. As the nation's foremost representation for individuals battling with this disease, the OAC focuses on education, advocacy, and support to foster understanding and resources concerning obesity. For more information about their initiatives, you can visit their website at www.ObesityAction.org.

This recent initiative reflects a growing recognition of the necessity for comprehensive care in the realm of obesity treatment. The Biden Administration's proposal shines a light on the evolving perspective of obesity management, emphasizing its importance as a public health priority.