BlackDoctor.org (BDO) commends the Biden administration’s proposal today that could allow 7.4 million Americans to gain Medicare or Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medicines (AOMs) in 2026. According to the administration, this would allow Americans and their doctors to determine the best path forward so they can lead healthier lives, without worrying about their ability to cover these therapies out-of-pocket, and ultimately reduce health care costs to our nation.
This is a wonderful step forward as it potentially helps millions of Black seniors and those with lower-income obtain coverage for anti-obesity medicines. BlackDoctor.org aligns with medical professionals and data showing obesity is a chronic disease that increases the risk of premature death and can lead to other serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
According to data, some 22% of Medicare enrollees were diagnosed with obesity in 2022, more than double the number a decade prior, she said. Overall, about 40% of American adults have obesity.
BlackDoctor.org continues to support our Black community for equal access and health equity for all diseases, including obesity. BlackDoctor.org’s mission is to make every Black family as healthy as possible.
We align with the following public comment from Dr. Oz. “For those who want to lose a few pounds, Ozempic and other semaglutide medications can be a big help,” Oz posted on Instagram last year. “We need to make it as easy as possible for people to meet their health goals, period.”
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