Washington, D.C.–Today, Congressmen Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Ron Kind (WI-03) introduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act to expand access to treatment options for Medicare beneficiaries afflicted with obesity. The bill would remove the exclusion under Medicare Part D for covering drugs that treat and reduce the disease and allows additional qualified health care practitioners to provide intensive behavioral therapy services. Companion legislation has been introduced by Senators Cassidy (LA), Carper (DE), and Murkowski (AK).  

“Treating and reducing obesity more effectively combats other chronic conditions that affect our seniors,” said Paulsen. “Increasing patient access to effective therapies and drugs can make a significant difference in turning the tide against this disease. We can’t fix this problem overnight, but taking bipartisan action now will help us solve our obesity crisis over the long-term.” 

“Obesity accounts for nearly 10 percent of all annual medical spending in the United States.  Unless we do something to address the obesity epidemic, the costs and harm to public health will only continue to rise,” said Rep. Kind. “The severe health risks of obesity and the actual costs of care for obesity-related illnesses are alarming. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that seniors and their health care providers have multiple tools to combat the disease and lead longer, healthier lives.”

Background:

When Medicare Part D was created in 2006, there were no widely-accepted FDA-approved obesity drugs on the market. As a result, Congress excluded obesity drugs from Part D coverage. However, with significant medical advances, a number of FDA-approved weight loss drugs are now available.

Nearly 20% of the increase in U.S. health care spending over the last two decades was caused by obesity. More than one-in-four U.S. seniors are obese, costing the Medicare program $50 billion a year.

To view video of Congressman Paulsen speaking on the floor about his legislation, click here.

Paulsen serves as co-chair of the Congressional Wellness Caucus and Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. He is a leading advocate in Congress for expanding patient access to innovative and effective cures and treatments.

For more information on Congressman Paulsen’s work in Congress visit paulsen.house.gov. 

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