April 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, DC – Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) today released a statement on the CMS 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule and the decision to not finalize the proposed rule to extend obesity treatment coverage to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries:

OCAN is deeply disappointed in the decision not to extend coverage of obesity medications to Medicare recipients by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This was a game-changing opportunity to propel millions of Americans fighting this chronic disease to better health. Nearly a third of older Americans suffer with the disease of obesity. This is a crisis—if no action is taken, in five short years, half of Americans will be living with obesity. We cannot afford to continue the status quo. This will cost our healthcare system millions more in treating expensive diseases associated with obesity, not to mention lost productivity and economic output.

With nearly three-quarters of Americans supporting the proposed rule to expand crucial access to obesity treatment, OCAN and its members will continue to advocate for the millions of Americans who lack access to comprehensive evidence-based care. Now that CMS has made this decision, we call upon Congress to introduce legislation to provide access to this critical coverage to Americans battling this disease.

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