As of 2020, the United States’ obesity epidemic impacts over 40% of the adult population. Although the CDC recognized this highly prevalent and serious chronic disease decades ago, the proportion of Americans with obesity is only increasing. Moreover, this crisis disproportionately impacts communities of color, whose treatment options are often limited due to systemic healthcare inequities.
Not only are individuals impacted by obesity at a higher risk for other chronic diseases, but they also face widespread societal stigma that reinforces the notion that obesity is a lifestyle issue. This long-standing prejudice undermines the ability of people affected by obesity to access the scientifically proven healthcare options available to them.
Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are a crucial part of the continuum of care for improving the health of those living with obesity. However, outdated guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services means that AOMs are not covered by Medicare Part D. This policy is not reflective of the current medical consensus that obesity is a treatable disease. Subsequently, impacted individuals are at higher risk of developing other life-threatening health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
$1.42 trillion is spent a year on direct and indirect costs for health conditions related to obesity. With increased access to obesity medications, we can lower the rate of associated diseases and drastically reduce healthcare costs. Incorporating obesity treatments into Medicare Part D coverage will generate an estimated savings of $18-$23 billion over 10 years.
Unfortunately, this disconnect between science and policy is not a problem unique to obesity treatment access, but rather reflective of a lethargic and antiquated public health system. It is imperative that we treat obesity as a disease, not a choice, and address it with the same urgency as other life-threatening conditions.
Currently, New York State employees and many private sector workers have access to AOM coverage. Due to exclusionary budget language stipulating no Medicaid funding may be used for weight loss specific drugs, the state’s Medicaid population lacks critical access to anti-obesity medications.
The American Medical Association has long recognized obesity as a chronic, pervasive and relapsing disease. Yet, there is a stark inequity that exists in New York State’s healthcare policy that perpetuates bias and injustice.
With swift and decisive action, New York State can lead by example, hence why I have publicly shared my position regarding Access to Obesity Medications in the past and why I am championing this issue in Albany by introducing Assembly Bill A8045 which requires comprehensive coverage for treatment of obesity because by doing so will alleviate the disproportionate impact that obesity has on historically marginalized communities facing barriers in their access to affordable healthcare.
Assembly Member Karines Reyes represents New York’s 87th Assembly District, which comprises portions of Parkchester, West Farms and Castle Hill.
