AMA Urges Insurance Coverage Parity For Emerging Treatment Options For Obesity

As a new generation of weight-loss medications has created additional options to treat obesity, insurance coverage barriers limit broad accessibility of these medications. In response, physicians and medical students voted to adopt policy for the American Medical Association (AMA) supporting health insurance coverage parity for evidence-based treatment of obesity, including FDA-approved medications without exclusions or additional carve-outs.

The AMA regards obesity as a disease that poses a major health concern in the United States. When obesity is left untreated it can put patients at risk for serious health consequences.

The costs for the patient and broader health care system associated with obesity, including the treatment of weight-related conditions and potential complications, can be substantial. It is crucial to recognize the urgency of addressing this disease comprehensively and proactively through a range of suitable treatments.

“Providing evidence-based treatment options that include weight loss medications aligns with a comprehensive, multimodal approach to effectively manage obesity is important to reduce health complications,” said AMA Trustee Bobby Mukkamala, M.D. “The AMA will urge health insurers to provide coverage of available FDA-approved weight-loss medications, including GLP-1 medications, to demonstrate a commitment to the health and well-being of our patients.”

The cost of medications for weight reduction can be a significant access barrier for people with obesity unless their health plan provides coverage. This policy is an important step towards protecting the patient-physician relationship in determining the best course of treatment without barriers from payers.