Thursday, June 27, 2024 (Washington, DC) — In response to the House Ways and Means Committee’s passage of an amended version of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention (AWHP) CEO Millicent Gorham issued the following statement: 

“We applaud the House Ways and Means Committee for taking a critical step forward in the fight against obesity by passing an amended version of TROA. Obesity is a serious chronic disease that has a significant impact on women, particularly women of color.  

The legislation that passed out of the Committee today would provide coverage of obesity medications for beneficiaries living with obesity who have been taking them for at least one year prior to enrolling in Medicare. The legislation would also make important changes to how intensive behavioral therapy is covered.  

Today’s vote represents important progress toward expanding access to care for Medicare beneficiaries living with obesity, and we must see this legislation passed in the 118th Congress. We thank Committee Chair Jason Smith as well as Representatives Brad Wenstrup and Gwen Moore for their collective efforts to ensure that older Americans have access to obesity care. We hope to continue working with policymakers across the aisle to build upon this and one day ensure that all Medicare beneficiaries have coverage for obesity care.” 

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About AWHP 

The Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention is a non-partisan 501(c)(4) non-profit organization working to ensure that all women and girls have access to high-quality preventive care. Our mission is to advance policy that drives equitable access and prevents the burden and progression of disease to improve the lives and health of all women and girls. 

For more information on AWHP, please visit WomensHealthandPrevention.org and follow us on LinkedIn and X @AWHPOrg. 

Media Contact: press@womenshealthandprevention.org