Bethesda, MD (June 27, 2024) – The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) supports the House Ways and Means Committee’s proposed “Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute to H.R. 4818” (AINS), which would be an important step toward improving access to obesity treatments for Medicare beneficiaries.
Our members see firsthand the chronic effects of obesity on patients’ health in conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, or MASLD, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, as health care providers who treat the gastrointestinal system. Maintaining a healthy weight is a key step to resolving obesity-related health issues, like liver disease; however, without access to affordable and effective treatments, maintaining a healthy weight can be impossible. Expanding access and treatment options will help patients overcome these diseases and live healthier lives.
Because many private insurance companies model their health benefits to reflect Medicare, passing AINS is an important step that could lead to improved obesity care options for the nearly 42% Americans who have obesity and the growing numbers who are expected to be affected by the disease in the coming years.
We applaud Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO), Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, for recognizing the importance of addressing this urgent issue. We also appreciate the efforts of Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Gwen Moore (D-WI) to further this cause – their dedication and support are invaluable. We encourage their colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to join them in supporting H.R. 4818 AINS as a crucial step toward improving older Americans’ access to the full spectrum of obesity care.
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About the AGA Institute:
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, AGA has grown to more than 16,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice, and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research, and educational programs of the organization. For more information, visit www.gastro.org.
