Dear [send:full_name]
I, the undersigned, call on California lawmakers to restore access to Medi-Cal coverage for FDA approved obesity treatments. Earlier this year, Medi-Cal ended coverage for GLP-1 medications prescribed for obesity treatment.
This move affects the health and wellbeing of many of the 29% of Californians who live with obesity. Medi-Cal provides health coverage to nearly 15 million Californians — more than one in three residents. Ending coverage for these treatments takes away a critical tool to address the obesity epidemic, which will have sweeping consequences for patient health and long-term state healthcare costs.
Obesity is a chronic disease linked to 200 medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disorders and other largely preventable illnesses. When we treat obesity effectively, we not only reduce weight, but we also decrease insulin resistance and diabetes, and prevent potential blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and cardiovascular disease. Obesity treatment deserves the same insurance coverage standards as any other chronic disease.
Treating obesity not only makes Californians healthier, but it also drives down long term costs. Obesity costs the California state economy an estimated $89.5 billion annually. Treating obesity preventatively exponentially lowers costlier downstream complications. A patient who achieves sustained weight loss and diabetes remission requires fewer medications, fewer emergency room visits, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer specialist consultations. The return on investment is clear for patients and for the state.
Withholding effective treatment for chronic disease devastates lives and drives up healthcare costs. Reinstating coverage will not only make Californians healthier, but it will save the state money in the long-term. Again, I urge California lawmakers to restore access to Medi-Cal coverage for FDA approved obesity treatments and interventions.
Sincerely,
[FirstName] [LastName]
[City] [State] [Zip]
