The Senate and House have reintroduced the bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) (H.R. 4818/S. 2407). This legislation is a vital first step in expanding access to obesity treatment as it would expand Medicare coverage to include screening and treatment of obesity by a diverse range of health care providers who provide obesity care. The bill also includes coverage of behavioral counseling, prescription drugs for long-term weight management, and other prevention and treatment options.
The passage of TROA could lead to improved obesity care options for all Americans since many private insurance companies model their covered health benefits to reflect Medicare.
What's next?
As a health care provider, you have the power to impact the future of obesity care in the U.S. by treating patients, but also through advocacy — help lawmakers understand the urgent need for expanded access to affordable, effective obesity treatments and how greater access to a variety of treatment options will equip you to better care for your patients.
Check out the new obesity advocacy toolkit to find a sample phone script, op-ed template, and more tools to equip you to reach out to your elected officials and urge them to support the passage of TROA.
This program is supported by an independent grant from Novo Nordisk.
