Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021

This bill expands Medicare coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. Specifically, the bill allows coverage for therapy that is provided by (1) a physician who is not a primary care physician; or (2) other health care providers (e.g., physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and approved counseling programs, if provided upon a referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner. Currently, such therapy is covered only if provided by a primary care practitioner.

The bill also allows coverage under Medicare's prescription drug benefit of drugs used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for individuals who are overweight.

Bill 117 HR 1577, also known as the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of addressing the growing issue of obesity in the country. The bill seeks to improve access to care and treatment for individuals struggling with obesity by expanding Medicare coverage for obesity-related services.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the inclusion of coverage for intensive behavioral therapy for obesity under Medicare. This therapy would be provided by qualified healthcare professionals and would focus on helping individuals make lifestyle changes to improve their health and manage their weight. The bill also calls for coverage of FDA-approved prescription drugs for chronic weight management, as well as coverage for medical devices and bariatric surgery for eligible individuals.

In addition to expanding Medicare coverage, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021 also aims to increase awareness and education about obesity and its health risks. The bill calls for the development of a national strategy to address obesity, as well as the establishment of a grant program to support community-based obesity prevention and treatment programs. Overall, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to address the obesity epidemic in the United States by improving access to care and treatment for individuals struggling with obesity. By expanding Medicare coverage and increasing awareness and education about obesity, the bill aims to help individuals lead healthier lives and reduce the burden of obesity on the healthcare system.