To The Editor:
Obesity is a chronic disease affecting 42% of U.S. adults, with nearly half expected to be impacted by 2030. Despite being a major driver of health care costs, Medicare does not currently cover FDA-approved anti-obesity medications (AOMs), which are now delivering never-before-seen improvements. Expanding this coverage presents a smart opportunity to save taxpayer money while improving lives.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that would allow Medicare to cover these medications. By finalizing this policy, President Trump has the chance to reduce long-term health care spending while giving millions of Americans access to effective treatment.
Medicare spends $50 billion annually on obesity-related diseases, with beneficiaries who have obesity costing over $2,000 more per year than those at a healthy weight. Covering AOMs can help prevent expensive complications, like diabetes and heart disease, producing an estimated $175 billion to $248 billion in savings over the next decade.
Beyond cost savings, expanding coverage for AOMs would improve quality of life for millions of seniors. Obesity increases the risk of multiple chronic conditions that limit mobility, independence and overall well-being. Providing access to effective treatments will help Medicare beneficiaries live healthier, more active lives for longer.
Medicare already covers treatments for other chronic diseases. Anti-obesity medications have demonstrated unprecedented success in helping patients achieve sustained weight loss, reducing future health care costs.
This is a fiscally responsible, bipartisan solution with strong support from medical experts. By modernizing Medicare to reflect the latest advancements in obesity treatment, President Trump has an opportunity to both cut costs and improve the well-being of millions of Americans.
Randy Ray
Chairman of Senior Consumers of America
Ponte Vedra
