When I first ran for office to represent Chambers and Lee Counties in the Alabama House, I promised my constituents that I would work toward comprehensive solutions to our state’s most pressing problems. In the healthcare space, particularly among the senior population within my district, one of these problems stands out more than most – the growing impact of obesity.
With more than 39% of Alabamians living with obesity, our state leads the nation in a category no one wants to top. It is a full-blown public health crisis that is killing our friends, family and neighbors, putting an immense strain on our healthcare system and draining our financial reserves.
Despite our best efforts at addressing the issue, the seniors affected by obesity and the medical professionals that are treating obesity are handcuffed in their ability to utilize the full spectrum of care. Medicare Part D currently prohibits coverage of FDA-approved anti-obesity medications (AOMs), except in cases where the patient has already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
At the time the policy was written, in the early 2000s, this prohibition made sense. There were significant concerns around the safety of available AOMs, and there were cost concerns – specifically that taxpayers would be footing the bill for a class of medication used more for appearance than health reasons.
This is no longer the case. Clearly, the proposed Medicare and Medicaid rule to expand AOM coverage is the right step forward.
A large body of research around the current class of AOMs points to the same thing – the medication is both highly safe and incredibly effective. There are several additional health benefits beyond weight loss, including reduced blood pressure, improved sleep apnea, and improved glycemic health, among others. Recently, AOMs were shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes by 20%.
Beyond physical health benefits, there are also mental health benefits that come from weight loss. For seniors, less excess weight means a lower risk of falls, which leads to more independence, a decreased risk of nursing home admissions, and more, all of which serves to improve aging for our senior population.
But addressing the obesity crisis is not just a matter of improving the health and wellbeing of millions. It is also about reducing year-over-year healthcare costs.
Here in Alabama, more than one million people are covered by Medicare and another million are on Medicaid. Within this group, the cost of the current lack of AOM coverage cannot be overstated.
Obesity cost our state $767 million in healthcare costs in 2022, and that is on top of the $7.2 billion lost due to reduced economic activity. Nationally, Medicare and Medicaid alone spend over $90 billion a year treating the disease and its various complications.
The rule currently under review by the Trump administration that would expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage is a fraction of those annual costs – $40 billion over 10 years to be exact.
In turn, over that same timeframe, it will produce more than $1 trillion in savings between direct Medicare and Medicaid savings and societal benefits like improved quality of life.
President Trump’s election promised Americans a path forward, characterized by fiscal responsibility, healthcare freedom, and commonsense regulatory overhaul.
Now, in the first few months of his tenure, he can hit on all three priorities with the approval of this landmark CMS rule that transforms how we approach obesity. It’s a win for taxpayers, our healthcare system, and Alabamians.
Debbie Wood serves in the Alabama State Legislature representing Chambers and Lee Counties.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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