Medicare doesn’t cover weight loss drugs. Seniors deserve it. So do U.S. taxpayers | Opinion
Seniors are generally a quiet segment of our population. They have raised their families, worked hard, and pay taxes even into retirement. They just want happiness for those they love, and they want their own good health.
As we age health can be more challenging. Metabolism slows. Some get sucked into watching too many TV shows. I’m not sure all of us are overweight, but it is a growing problem. Obesity is so prevalent among Americans that 10 years ago the American Medical Association declared it a disease.
Right now, Congress has the opportunity to help seniors and others achieve or maintain good health by enacting the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act. If passed, weight reduction medication would be added to Medicare Part D (the prescription drug benefit).
Congress can actually help people stay healthy and avoid terrible chronic diseases associated with age and weight gain. I think we deserve that help.
For some people, cutting back on extra snacks and exercising longer will counter the bulge. For others, it’s not a lifestyle choice. It is a disease. And, it’s very costly to us personally, and as a nation.
That’s why we all need to be a bit worried. That is, if we want to live a long and healthy life. I know that’s what I want.
The federal government spends billions on Ukraine and Israel, and on free food, housing and education for undocumented immigrants. But does Medicare Part D spend any, really, on helping Americans fight obesity and the chronic conditions that follow, like diabetes and heart disease?
No. Even if it would save the system money.
I am retired but still interested in helping when I can. Many Americans are overweight and need weight reduction help in preventing diseases like Type-2 Diabetes or the occurrence of heart disease or stroke because they are overweight. Medicare Part D could cover weight reduction treatment but it does not at this time. Instead Medicare pays out billions for stroke, heart disease, bodily pain and all kinds of diseases linked to obesity. They even pay for expensive bariatric surgery. Wouldn’t it make more sense to pay for prevention of these ailments?
Longevity and quality of life will increase with the help of obesity medications. And, the costs to the Medicare system will decrease because diseases will be prevented.
These new and tested drugs are so successful in weight reduction people who have struggled a lifetime can get a new lease on life. Literally.
For most of us this is not a lifestyle drug. It is a life drug. And, it’s for people like you and me who have payed into the system for a lifetime.
Obesity affects about 42% of American adults, according to the CDC. And, obesity is starting at a younger age. A significant portion of applicants to the military are turned down because they are overweight, according to a 2010 study. This fact may be putting us all at risk.
It is certainly costing us more. A staggering $92.2 billion a year is hoisted onto taxpayers through Medicare, according to a report from the Missouri Pharmacy Association. Outside of the government system another $200 billion is spent on medical complications related to obesity, according to a recent study.
If Congress would add weight loss medications to the benefit list, we would improve life expectancy and reduce disabilities and dependencies. One study estimated we would save $245 billion over the next decade.
Adding medications that treat obesity to Part D would drive cost savings in Medicare. It would increase competition that leads to lower costs for medications, and even lead to more access to treatment for those who are not yet on Medicare. Sounds like a good thing to me: save money; lose weight; live longer.
Congress should not ignore the people. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act is running in both the House and Senate. Tell Congress you stand for longevity and good health. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the bill.
This story was originally published December 5, 2023 at 5:00 AM.