Congressional Briefing – Obesity: The Cost of No Coverage
Learn about the impacts of a lack of coverage for obesity treatments
Jun 24, 2024
Jul 15, 2024
Women's Health Policy
Obesity is a chronic disease that increases risk of other serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers. With 4 out of 10 American adults living with obesity, access to and insurance coverage for treatment options is essential.
The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) was reintroduced this Congress with the goal of expanding Medicare coverage to include screening for and treatment of obesity, as well as coverage of FDA-approved medications for chronic weight management. Similar legislation is being introduced at the state level as well.
Learn about the real-world impacts, including the economic toll, that a lack of obesity treatment coverage has on women.
Opening Remarks
Beth Battaglino, RN-C
President and CEO, HealthyWomen
Moderator
Elizabeth Garner, M.D., MPH
Immediate Past President, American Medical Women's Association
Former Chief Scientific Officer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals
Speakers
Alicia Shelly, M.D., FACP, DABOM
Founder, Healthy Living for Life
Jessi Macdonald
Woman living with obesity
Chad D. Meyerhoefer, Ph.D.
Chair of the Department of Economics, Lehigh University
Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic Research
Thank you to our briefing co-sponsors:
This educational resource was created with support from Eli Lilly and Company.
