Op-Ed: Expand Access to Anti-Obesity Medications to Improve Lives, Reduce Long Term Costs
By State Senator Todd Johnson
Obesity rates are skyrocketing in our nation. In the last two decades, obesity has doubled among American adults. Despite the growing consensus and greater understanding of the disease, many people continue to view obesity as a lifestyle choice or personal failure. It’s important to understand that for many Americans, obesity is not a choice. It’s a chronic disease that affects every layer of a patient’s life.
At some point, the obesity epidemic will affect Medicare and Medicaid. In fact, it’s reported there is financial benefit in treating Americans suffering from obesity using cost-offsets that Medicare and Medicaid could accrue if these medications were covered. Allowing Medicare to cover anti-obesity medications will save the program billions of dollars in the long run. By 2030, the obesity rate is expected to rise to nearly 1/2 of all American adults. That’s only five years away! These savings will be attributed to reducing healthcare costs and improving the lives of millions of Americans. They are, quite literally, live saving.
Last year, it was reported that nearly half (45%) of North Carolinians are obese. Furthermore, the National Institute of Health reported that being overweight is the second cause of death nationwide, with an estimated 500,000 deaths annually. Obesity leads to numerous other chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, certain types of cancer, and heart disease. Our fellow North Carolinians are suffering from the awful side effects of obesity. Medicare currently covers the treatment costs for these other diseases. It should extend its coverage to a wider variety of necessary medications, including anti-obesity medications. If obesity is tackled early-on and head-on, is could very likely lead to fewer underlying health complications later.
As healthcare costs continue to rise, now is the time to act. We must look at long-term health care solutions that benefit a vast number of citizens. Many of these individuals suffer from chronic illnesses and diseases that impact their quality of life, including diseases directly linked to obesity. By prioritizing preventative care, costs are reduced and healthcare providers can diagnose and treat obesity like any other chronic disease. Prescription weight loss medications have proven to be safe and effective. These medications deliver results and offer patients a necessary solution compared to diet and lifestyle interventions alone.
It seems like an obvious solution to finalize the proposed CMS rule to make anti-obesity medications more readily available and more affordable for the patients who need them most. Medicare spends about $50 billion annually on obesity-related diseases. Research shows coverage for obesity treatments could generate nearly $175 billion in cost offsets to Medicare within the first decade. In the next 30 years, cost offsets could increase to $700 billion. The solution is simple – access to quality care for more patients.
Anti-obesity medications are FDA-approved, evidence-based treatments. They offer the possibility to improve the quality of life of millions of North Carolinians and Americans. Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease with severe consequences. Action is needed now!
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