Broad Support for Access to Obesity Care in Medicare
A new study of public opinion released today finds overwhelming support for access to obesity medicines in Medicare. In this polling, 79% of Republicans, 66% of independents, and 73% of Democrats support the Trump administration taking final action to provide coverage for these medicines under Medicare, just like medicines for any other chronic condition.
Given the current political environment, this is stunning. Apple pie might not even get such support across the board.
The Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) commissioned this study and Focaldata AI fielded it. The sample was 2,012 adults with a margin of error +/- 2%.
Making America Healthy
Announcing the results for OCAN, Christy Gallagher pointed out that this move lines up with the new administration’s MAHA agenda:
“To achieve goals for making America healthier, obesity must be addressed, treated and managed effectively. These survey results indicate that an overwhelming majority of Americans support the Trump administration finalizing the proposed CMS rule to expand access to obesity medications. By extending access to FDA-approved obesity medications for people living with obesity who lack access to comprehensive evidence-based care in Medicare, the Trump administration has the power to start fixing the nation’s chronic disease crisis.”
Fully 78% of Americans agree that coverage for obesity medicines under Medicare is important. The reasons are simple – to manage weight and improve overall health. Most respondents (77%) said this coverage will save money in the long run by preventing the complications of obesity.
The new secretary of Health and Human Services has pledged to Make America Healthy Again. Opening up access to obesity medicines under Medicare seems like an opportunity for a quick and popular win.
Click here for the full results, here and here for perspective from OCAN on the issue.
Study of Hands, painting by Albrecht Durer / WikiArt
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February 20, 2025
