Medicare patients could get more obesity care and weight-loss drug coverage
Officially: Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023
Medicare patients could get obesity counseling from more kinds of providers and approved community programs. Medicare drug plans could also cover some weight-loss medicines, but that change would wait two years.
Where it stands
Sitting in House Committee
No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.
- The Health and Human Services Secretary could let more providers offer Medicare-covered obesity counseling. This would expand coverage beyond primary care providers.
- More types of providers could qualify. The list includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, clinical psychologists, registered dietitians, nutrition professionals, and approved community lifestyle counseling programs.
- Non-primary-care providers and community programs would need a referral before Medicare pays. They would also have to coordinate with a doctor or primary care provider.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.
The debate
What people are saying about this bill
- Medicare patients could have more ways to get obesity treatment. More qualified providers and approved community programs could offer covered counseling.
- Obesity care could become more team-based. Primary care providers, specialists, and community programs could work from the same treatment plan.
- Some patients need more than diet and exercise advice. Medicare Part D coverage for certain obesity medicines could give them more treatment options.
- Medicare could spend more money. The bill would add covered providers, programs, and drugs for obesity treatment.
- Community programs may vary in quality. Even approved evidence-based programs could be hard to monitor in a consistent way.
- Drug spending could rise. Broader coverage for obesity and weight-management medicines may also raise concerns about overuse.
Where this bill is in the process
Legislative timeline
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail