OCAN_Infographic.pdf

The Medicare Awareness Gap Infographic

Federal Expansion of Obesity Medications through Medicare and Medicaid OCAN April 2026.pdf

April 2026 UPDATE—The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a historic expansion of obesity treatment coverage for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries in December 2025. This expansion will be implemented through two demonstration programs: the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge and the BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth) Model, administered by the Center for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). This fact sheet provides details on the implementation of the programs.

Federal Expansion of Obesity Medications through Medicare and Medicaid Fact Sheet

WASHINGTON, DC — The Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) today praised the Trump administration’s continued commitment to expanding access to obesity treatments for older Americans and outlined a roadmap for the successful launch of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge this summer.“We applaud the Trump administration for its unwavering commitment to improving access to comprehensive obesity care and extending the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge model through the end of 2027. This decision will ensure older Americans have continuity in their healthcare and access to life-changing medications," said Cristy Gallagher, OCAN’s coordinator.&nbsp;The administration’s focus on obesity care aligns with overwhelming demand from the public. According to a recent OCAN poll of over 2,130 Americans age 65 and older, nearly three-fourths (74%) of medically eligible older Americans view obesity treatment coverage as a top-tier health priority. Furthermore, the survey revealed that 60% of those who are eligible would consider coverage for obesity treatments when choosing their Medicare plans—underscoring that obesity care is now a primary benchmark for plan quality among older Americans.With the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge set to launch on July 1, 2026, OCAN is shifting its focus to the critical work of informing the medical community and the public. Despite the high demand, OCAN’s polling found that 82% of older Americans remain unaware of these new Medicare programs.“Our priority now is ensuring that no one is left behind due to a lack of information,” continued Cristy Gallagher. “As soon as CMS releases additional technical guidance in the coming weeks, OCAN will launch a comprehensive education initiative. We must ensure that providers understand the centralized prior authorization process and that patients know their eligibility.”OCAN looks forward to working closely with the administration, healthcare providers, the patient community and pharmacies to ensure that the start of the program on July 1st is seamless for the millions of older Americans who have been waiting for access to these medicines.”###

OCAN Applauds Trump Administration’s Commitment to Obesity Care; Sets Sights on July 1st Launch of Medicare GLP-1 Bridge

New Survey: Majority of Eligible Older Americans View Coverage of GLP-1s as a Top Priority, yet 82% are Unaware of New Medicare Obesity ProgramWashington, D.C. — Today, the Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) released new survey data revealing powerful motivation for Medicare Part D plans to participate in the upcoming Centers for Medicare and Medicaid BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive Health) Model. The poll of over 2,130 older Americans over the age of 65 highlights a critical awareness gap: while millions of older Americans medically qualify for weight management, the vast majority remain unaware of a new program that will, for the first time ever, provide an opportunity to access FDA-approved obesity medications.The survey found that more than one-quarter of older Americans (27%) have already been told by a health professional that they medically qualify for weight management. Despite this clear clinical need, 82% of all older Americans remain unaware that obesity medications will be made available under the Administration’s new BALANCE model.“Our findings make it clear that older Americans are not only ready for better access to obesity care and treatment—they are actively seeking it,” said Cristy Gallagher, Coordinator of the Obesity Care Advocacy Network. “As the BALANCE model enrollment deadline approaches, Part D plans have a significant opportunity—and responsibility—to meet this demand and sign up to participate. Older Americans have been waiting too long for access to medications that will address this chronic disease. They will finally have a chance—but only if their Part D plans participate.”The survey reveals that access to obesity medications is already a primary driver of enrollment decisions. Among older Americans who have been told by a doctor that they qualify for medical weight management, nearly 60% are actively considering switching their Medicare Part D plan to access this coverage.Key Findings Include:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A Staggering Awareness Gap: 82% of older Americans do not know that Medicare is launching a program to enable access to obesity medication.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; High Clinical Demand: Over 1 in 4 older Americans have been told by a doctor that their BMI or a related condition (such as heart disease or pre-diabetes) qualifies them for medical help with weight management.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Medical Parity: Nearly three-fourths (74%) of medically eligible older Americans view GLP-1 coverage as a top-tier health priority.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The "Quality" Benchmark: One-third of all older Americans use obesity care as a primary benchmark for whether a Medicare plan is "high quality."·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Priority Transcends Party: 67% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans view Medicare coverage of obesity treatments as a high-priority issue.With the participation deadline for Part D plans to join BALANCE rapidly approaching, the survey provides important information about how older Americans prioritize plan coverage in their decision-making.Complete survey results are available at: <a href="https://obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com/news/medicare-obesity-care-access-poll">https://obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com/news/medicare-obesity-care-access-poll</a>Survey infographic is available at: <a href="https://obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com/news/the-medicare-awareness-gap-infographic">https://obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com/news/the-medicare-awareness-gap-infographic</a>Visit OCAN for additional information about <a href="https://assets.obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com/Federal_Expansion_of_Obesity_Medications_through_Medicare_and_Medicaid_Longer_3_f423e3da03/Federal_Expansion_of_Obesity_Medications_through_Medicare_and_Medicaid_Longer_3_f423e3da03.pdf">the BALANCE model</a>.

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