Obesity is a recognized chronic disease that affects more than 42% of adults in the United States.  According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), people who carry extra weight are at risk for heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 Diabetes and may also suffer a lower quality of life due to chronic pain, mobility issues, depression, and anxiety.

Medicare does cover obesity treatments such as Intensive Behavioral Therapy, and in cases of severe obesity (BMI of 35 or higher), bariatric surgery. However, to be approved for bariatric surgery, Medicare:

1. Requires at least one underlying obesity-related health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease
2. Requires the patient to provide evidence that they have tried to lose weight in the past through dieting or exercise and have been unsuccessful.

THIS PETITION SEEKS TO AMEND S.596 BY REMOVING PREREQUISITE #2. As obesity, in and of itself, is now a recognized chronic disease, early treatment may prevent underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, from occurring. And in regards to dieting or exercise, commonly referred to by the healthcare community as lifestyle changes, thirteen percent (13%) of Medicare recipients fall below the federal poverty level and may lack the physical capacity or financial means to comply with this prerequisite.

Anti-obesity medications (AOMs), or pharmacotherapeutics, several of which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are not currently covered by the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit program. These medications have proved to be an effective option for individuals unable to lose weight through lifestyle and dietary changes alone.

S.596, as written, seeks to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the coordination of programs to prevent and treat obesity, including Medicare Part D coverage for anti-obesity medications.

SIGNERS OF THIS PETITION ENDORSE S.596 WITH THE AFOREMENTIONED CHANGE and hereby request the 118th Congress pass this or equivalent legislation in an expeditious manner.