Expand access to comprehensive obesity care under Medicare

PAN’S POSITION

Allow Medicare to cover safe, effective, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications and related behavioral therapy.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should expand access to comprehensive obesity care to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Adults with obesity face an increased risk for over 230 serious health complications, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. They also face nearly $2,000 more in annual medical expenses compared to those at a healthy weight. One study estimates that Medicare coverage of anti-obesity medications could generate nearly $175 billion in savings within the program over just 10 years. 

With nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults—approximately 106 million Americans—considered overweight or obese, and obesity rates continue to rise nationwide. Despite this growing public health crisis, current law prohibits Medicare from covering FDA-approved anti-obesity medications under Part D. This limits access to life-enhancing treatments for over two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries who are living with obesity.