AWHP’s Statement on Massachusetts’ Proposals to Eliminate Coverage for Obesity Medications in the State Employee Health Plan and in Medicaid

February 24, 2026 (Washington, DC) — In response to the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC) potentially ending coverage for obesity management medications (OMMs) for state employees, and Governor Healey’s proposed removal of MassHealth coverage for OMMs, Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention (AWHP) CEO Millicent Gorham issued the following statement:  

“The recent proposals in Massachusetts to remove coverage for obesity management medications in both the state employee health plan and in Medicaid would have serious consequences for beneficiaries of these programs,” said Millicent Gorham, CEO of AWHP.

“When we treat obesity, we are also helping to address the 200 health complications associated with the disease – such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular conditions. We also reduce the serious financial burden obesity imposes on Bay Staters – particularly for the 27.8% of Massachusetts women living with the disease.

Compared to women with healthy weight, obesity is associated with a 9% reduction in earnings and 20% lower odds of employment. Statewide, obesity has cost Massachusetts nearly $34 billion, including $18.76 billion in costs to employers. Continuous coverage for the full range of evidence-based obesity care can help lower long-term medical costs while also yielding broader social benefits, such as reduced stigma and fewer obesity-related diseases.

The Massachusetts GIC provides health insurance benefits to more than 460,000 state employees and retirees, as well as their dependents and survivors. Eliminating their coverage for obesity medications would be devastating. These medications aren’t ‘vanity drugs’ – they are critical interventions for a serious chronic disease and an important tool in addressing the obesity epidemic in Massachusetts.

With Medicaid coverage for GLP-1s also at risk in the governor’s recently proposed fiscal 2027 budget, Bay Staters are facing even more access challenges to these life-saving medicines.

At a time when too many states are moving backward, Massachusetts can lead with compassion and common sense. Preserving coverage of obesity care is an investment in the well-being of Bay Staters – and in a stronger, healthier Commonwealth.”