OMA BOT Book 4.24.2024

coverage for the treatment of obesity, including intensive behavioral therapies, FDA-approved obesity medications, and metabolic and bariatric surgery. April 11, 2024: Drs. Carolynn Francavilla and Becky Andrick joined other obesity medicine specialists and advocates in testifying in support of Colorado Senate Bill 54, which would require the state employee health plan, Medicaid program, and all private insurance companies to provide coverage for the treatment of the chronic disease of obesity and the treatment of pre-diabetes, including coverage for intensive behavioral or lifestyle therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved anti-obesity medications (AOMs). Following their testimony, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved the bill by a 5 to 3 vote! Next stop is consideration of the fiscal costs of the bill by the Senate Appropriations Committee. OCAN Advocacy Efforts OMA is a founding member of the Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN), which now includes more than 35 organizations working together to promote federal policy that expands treatment options for Americans affected by obesity. This year, I continue to involve OMA advocacy committee members in OCAN advocacy efforts targeting congressional staff and regulatory agencies.