TAMPA,
Fla., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Obesity
Action Coalition (OAC) applauds the House Ways and Means Committee
for favorably reporting an amended version of the Treat and Reduce
Obesity Act with a strong bipartisan vote of 36-4. This significant
milestone reflects a commitment from key lawmakers in the House to
expand access to obesity care for Medicare beneficiaries.
The amended version of the bill, which passed out of the Ways
and Means Committee on June 27, 2024,
includes targeted changes to expand access to obesity medication
coverage while managing costs. The new provisions limit the
coverage of obesity medications to incoming Medicare beneficiaries
who have been using these medications with prescription coverage in
the year prior to joining Medicare. Additionally, the Secretary of
Health and Human Services (HHS) is directed to update coverage for
Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) for obesity. These adjustments
were essential to reducing the overall cost of the bill, a critical
step in addressing the funding requirements for the increased cost
to Medicare.
"Today's achievement marks an important first step in improving
access to obesity care for Medicare beneficiaries," said Joe
Nadglowski, President & CEO of the OAC. "We are encouraged by
the bipartisan support and the commitment demonstrated by both
sides of the aisle to expand coverage in the future. This
significant milestone reflects our collective dedication to
enhancing healthcare for people affected by the disease of
obesity."
The OAC thanks the House Ways and Means Committee for
prioritizing care for people living with the disease of obesity.
Allowing people who have coverage for obesity medications to keep
their coverage when transitioning into Medicare is an essential
first step toward expanding access to care for all Medicare
recipients in the future.
"The bill is an important step forward to ensure that seniors in
Medicare do not lose access to vital treatment and paves the way
for future expanded coverage of these treatments in Medicare,"
original sponsor of HB 4818 Representative Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) said during the markup
session. "Tackling obesity head-on can help prevent numerous
additional diseases such as heart disease and diabetes and help
keep Americans healthier for much longer. Not only a longer
lifespan but a longer health span."
Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI)
further remarked, "Why would we punish these folks and likely
create a setback in their fight against obesity? And if I
understand obesity – a fight that they have been having for some
time. A fight for their lives."
The OAC believes that this is an important first step, and there
will be ongoing opportunities to advocate for broader coverage as
the bill progresses through the legislative process. The OAC
remains dedicated to championing the needs of individuals affected
by obesity and will continue to advocate for comprehensive coverage
and access to obesity treatments for everyone affected by obesity.
The OAC encourages its more than 85,000 members and supporters to
stay engaged as we work toward successfully passing this critical
legislation.
To share your support for expanding access to obesity treatments
under Medicare, please contact your representatives at
obesityaction.org/troa.
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), a more than
85,000-member-strong National nonprofit organization, is dedicated
to improving the lives of individuals affected by the disease of
obesity through education, advocacy and support.
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SOURCE Obesity Action Coalition