OCAN Statement After OMB Meeting

OCAN is grateful for the recent meeting with the Trump administration to discuss the CMS proposed rule that would cover FDA-approved obesity medications. OCAN and its members are encouraged that federal policymakers are considering the positive impact that the CMS proposed rule would have on Americans’ health, as the reinterpretation of this coverage policy will be key to making America healthy again and addressing the nation’s chronic disease crisis.

Obesity must be addressed, treated and managed effectively. This includes an all-of-the-above strategy including administering intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) and bariatric surgery under Medicare Part B and providing Medicare Part D coverage for FDA approved obesity medications.

Our recent survey found that 71% of Americans support the Trump administration efforts to finalize the proposed rule that would expand Medicare to include obesity medications. We remain hopeful that the administration will take this important step forward to address America’s on-going obesity crisis.