The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) today announced support for the reintroduced Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), which might expand Medicare coverage to incorporate screening and treatment of obesity from a various range of health care providers who concentrate on obesity care. The bill also includes coverage of behavioral counseling, pharmaceuticals for long-term weight management, and other prevention and treatment options.

As gastroenterologists we see the chronic effects of obesity on patients’ health in conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, formerly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Expanding access and improving early intervention and treatment options will help patients overcome these diseases and live healthier lives. Because many private insurance firms model their health advantages to reflect Medicare, the passage of TROA may lead to improved obesity care options for all Americans.”

Rotonya Carr, MD, Chair, AGA Government Affairs Committee

We thank Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Reps. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) and Gwen Moore (D-WI) for his or her leadership on H.R. 4818/S. 2407, which is a crucial step to addressing obesity -; a disease that affects 93 million Americans and will have an economic impact of $4.3 trillion annually if current trends proceed.

Source:

American Gastroenterological Association