Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Community-based strategies and social marketing campaigns to address obesity have largely been unsuccessful. By focusing on body shape and size, these interventions may be helping to perpetuate stereotypes and biases about obese individuals. At the same time, the field of obesity medicine has grown significantly, and several effective treatment options are now available to help individuals take control of their weight and improve their overall health. Unfortunately, the ability of Pennsylvanians to access these life-changing treatments remains limited. Many individuals are prescribed treatment for obesity but their health insurance neither covers nor reimburses those services, even though they will pay for treating conditions caused by obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  

I plan to introduce legislation to require commercial health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover approved obesity procedures and medications under the same terms and conditions that apply to other policy benefits. Individuals struggling with obesity should have access to the treatment that fit their needs based on medical guidance. In 2013, the American Medical Association classified obesity as a disease and called for addressing obesity with a range of prevention and treatment strategies. Most states, currently 33, mandate some kind for coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of obesity as a medically recognized disease, including bariatric surgery and applicable devices (e.g. gastric band systems); FDA-approved medications; and dietary/nutritional screening and counseling. The National Institutes of Health and the Medical College of Physicians recommend the use of bariatric surgery for some individuals, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved several weight loss drugs. Pennsylvania does not mandate coverage of any of these effective obesity treatment options. 

Please join me in this effort to ensure coverage for obesity in line with other medical conditions and improve the treatment options available to individuals with obesity.