Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my concern about the lack of coverage for anti-obesity medications (AOMs) under Medicare. As a nurse with years of experience, I have seen first-hand the negative impact that obesity can have on people's health, especially on those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
Obesity has been identified as one of the greatest risk factors for severe infection and death in the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly concerning for communities of color, who are disproportionately affected by obesity. AOMs represent a newer generation of innovative medications that can provide an additional treatment option for those living with obesity. However, not all health plans cover these drugs, and under current law, few seniors have access to them through Medicare. This is unacceptable.
We need to move away from a model of care that only treats diseases and towards one that emphasizes prevention and care management. Covering AOMs would be a crucial step in this direction. Research has shown that there is a strong correlation between obesity and higher medical expenditures. By providing access to AOMs, we can help individuals with obesity get the care they need and prevent costly complications down the line.
Outdated regulatory policies that reflect antiquated thinking on obesity and weight loss have limited physicians' options for treating patients who struggle with obesity. It is time to update Medicare to enable seniors living with obesity to access the care they need. I urge lawmakers to support the coverage of AOMs under Medicare.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Lu Jones, RN
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