OMA Applauds Plan to Cover Obesity Medications Under Medicare and Medicaid

August 1, 2025 – Obesity Medicine Association – The Trump Administration has announced a proposed plan for a five-year pilot program that will allow patients with Medicare or Medicaid access to anti-obesity medications. Under this plan, state Medicaid and Medicare Part D insurance plans will have the option to cover anti-obesity medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. ¹

The pilot program would begin in April 2026 for Medicaid and January 2027 for Medicare and be conducted through the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI).¹

The Obesity Medicine Association welcomes this transformative policy shift that reflects the notion of obesity being a chronic, complex disease that requires long-term and evidence-based treatment.

“As an OMA Board Member and Chair of the Advocacy Committee, I’m encouraged that CMS is taking steps to explore coverage of medications for obesity—a chronic, complex disease that deserves the same long-term treatment approach as other serious conditions.” Says OMA Trustee Dr. Leslie Golden, “Our hope is that this pilot marks the beginning of broader, sustained access to comprehensive obesity care. We must ensure that these efforts lead to affordable, continuous treatment options, rather than fragmented coverage that risks interrupting care for those who need it most.”

“As obesity specialists, we witness every day the devastating toll this disease takes on our patients’ lives. Recognizing obesity as a chronic medical condition—and treating it with the full range of tools, including medications, nutrition, and physical activity—is not just effective, it’s transformative.” Shares OMA Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Carolynn Francavilla Brown. “This policy could give millions of Americans the chance to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.”

OMA encourages CMS and policymakers to ensure that this pilot is the first step toward permanent, equitable access to comprehensive obesity care, including affordable medication coverage, integrated lifestyle interventions, and a focus on health equity for all populations.

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