Update regulations at CMS to make AOMs available through Medicare D

The American Medical Association, nearly a decade ago, recognized obesity as a treatable medical condition. The problem is the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) has failed to do the same, only further exacerbating health disparities in our nation. In fact, Medicare is the only federal health program that does NOT provide coverage of FDA-approved, anti-obesity medications (AOMs) that have been proven to be an effective treatment option for patients living with obesity. This lack of coverage is leaving millions of Americans living with obesity without affordable access to treatments that can improve their overall health and wellness.

It is a well-documented that adults impacted by obesity have an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and severe COVID complications, to name a few. According to the National Institutes of Health indicate obesity is the second leading cause of death nationally, with an estimated 300,000 deaths a year attributed to the epidemic. Without action from policymakers in Washington, this public health crisis is only going to get worse, needlessly costing lives and placing a severe strain on our already vulnerable healthcare system.

Our congressional leaders in Washington must work with the Biden Administration to update regulations at CMS to make AOMs available through Medicare Part D. These regulations have been out of step with science for nearly 10 years. Patients living with obesity have waited far long enough.