Statement from Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease on CMS Announcement
April 7, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease released the below statement following an announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that it is not finalizing a proposed rule that would have expanded Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include critical, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications — a move which would have brought life-saving obesity treatment to as many as 7.5 million Americans.
“The Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease remains committed to working with the Trump administration and with leaders on Capitol Hill in combating the obesity epidemic — to ensure that millions of older Americans and Americans living in rural and underserved communities have access to the critical treatment they need to live healthier lives.
“Obesity is a costly epidemic that takes a $170 billion toll on our nation annually, and it’s getting worse: An estimated 42% of American adults are currently living with obesity and some studies estimate that more than half of Americans will be living with obesity by 2030. Despite it being designated a chronic disease for well over a decade, obesity is treated differently by Medicare and Medicaid, which do not provide the clinical standard of care that millions of Americans deserve. Treatment professionals should have every tool in the toolbox— from intensive behavioral therapy around diet and exercise and medication treatment or surgery as appropriate —-to improve the health of older Americans living with obesity.
“This is why nearly 20,000 grassroots advocates from across the country joined with us in calling on CMS to support and finalize the proposed rule to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include critical, FDA-approved anti-obesity medications — a move which would have benefitted 7.5 million Americans living with obesity and being denied access to lifesaving treatments. Our coalition — and the vast network of grassroots supporters we’ve built across all 50 states — remain committed to this effort, and we will continue working with leaders in the administration and in Congress to improve the health of millions of Americans living with obesity.”
###
The Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease (HECCD) believes that all people deserve the best possible health care. Continuing to allow outdated coverage policies to restrict access for communities dependent on public programs is counter to the principles of health equity. The Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease’s mission is to ensure that community experts, policy makers, providers, and other stakeholders work together to eliminate barriers to healthcare for rural communities, seniors, and communities of color, especially as related to access to care and treatment for obesity.
