How to Act Now for Medicare Coverage of Obesity Medications: Call for Public Comment


The National Minority Quality Forum recently hosted a critical discussion with BDO on the importance of Medicare coverage for obesity management medications. This timely conversation comes as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has opened a public comment period, ending January 27th, regarding a proposed rule to include these medications in Medicare coverage.

The panel featured experts from various organizations, including Adjoa Kyerematen, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at the National Minority Quality Forum, Shari Beagelman, Chief of Staff and Corporate Communications at BlackDoctor.org, Dr. Virginia Caine, and Dr. Ray Serrano.

How obesity is hurting communities of color

Each highlighted the disproportionate impact of obesity on communities of color and the potential transformative effect of these medications. Dr. Virginia Caine of the National Medical Association emphasized the alarming statistics: “108,000,000 Americans are diagnosed [with] obesity. In this country, we expect by 2030 that over 50 percent of this country will meet that designation. But unfortunately, for Black Americans, we’ve already reached that 2030 mark with 50 percent of our Americans diagnosed with diabetes.”

Dr. Ray Serrano of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) provided a sobering perspective on the Latino community: “The numbers that we have for prevalence for Latinos is a little bit higher. It’s at 47 percent for adults for obesity. It is second to African Americans, and then for children, it’s very concerning because it’s like it’s one of the highest. It is at 25.3 percent for children.”

These statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive obesity management strategies, including medication access. As healthcare providers, it’s crucial to understand that obesity is not merely a lifestyle issue but a complex medical condition with far-reaching health implications.

Weight loss medication benefits for patients

Dr. Caine highlighted the potential benefits of weight loss medications: “Some of the studies have shown that some of these weight loss medications can reduce a heart attack by nearly 28 percent, rounded off to 30 percent. Can you imagine what it means to reduce a heart attack by nearly 30 percent and possibly strokes by 7 percent?”

However, it’s important to note that these medications are not a standalone solution. Dr. Caine stressed, “It’s not the silver bullet… So you just can’t take the medications by itself and you ignore the lifestyle changes that you have to make, the behavioral modifications.”

How physicians can approach weight care

For healthcare providers, this means adopting a holistic approach to obesity management, integrating medication with lifestyle interventions and addressing social determinants of health.

Dr. Serrano emphasized the need to destigmatize obesity treatment: “We so stigmatize this disease, and we want to assume that these folks like need to have some punishment. That doesn’t have to be that way.” As healthcare providers, we must lead the charge in changing this narrative, treating obesity as the serious medical condition it is.

Why medicare coverage of obesity management drugs matters

The economic impact of obesity cannot be overstated. As mentioned in the discussion, obesity is costing the country $1.72 trillion. Dr. Serrano argued that the cost of inaction could be even higher: “If you don’t do the intervention, how much more will it cost you? Because those diabetics have to get insulin. They might have to have that amputation. They might be on dialysis. How much is that gonna cost you?”

The panel stressed the importance of healthcare providers’ voices in advocating for policy changes. As Dr. Serrano, who previously worked at CMS, noted: “When you do get those comments, you do pay attention to how many comments come in a certain thing. There’s when you go report back to your supervisor, there’s a buzz. You say there’s a buzz about this issue. The people are commenting a lot about this issue. That buzz matters.”

As healthcare providers, we have a unique perspective on the impact of obesity on our patients’ health and quality of life. Our voices can make a significant difference in shaping policy decisions that affect millions of Americans.

How to make your voice heard

The panel urged everyone, especially healthcare providers, to submit comments to CMS before the January 27th deadline. This is a crucial opportunity to influence policy and potentially improve access to obesity medications for Medicare beneficiaries. To submit your public comment, visit the Federal Register.

Healthcare providers must recognize obesity as a serious medical condition that disproportionately affects communities of color. We must advocate for comprehensive treatment approaches, including access to weight loss medications. By lending our voices to this cause, we can help shape policies that promote health equity and improve outcomes for our patients struggling with obesity.

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