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Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023

12/28/2024, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4818

Bill 118 hr 4818, also known as the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023, aims to address the growing issue of obesity in the United States. The bill recognizes obesity as a chronic disease and seeks to improve access to care and treatment for individuals struggling with obesity.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to support healthcare providers in implementing evidence-based obesity treatment and prevention programs. These programs would focus on promoting healthy behaviors, such as diet and exercise, and providing access to medical interventions, such as weight loss medications and bariatric surgery.

Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a national obesity task force to coordinate efforts across federal agencies and develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing obesity. This task force would be responsible for conducting research, collecting data, and making recommendations to improve obesity prevention and treatment efforts. Overall, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023 aims to increase awareness of obesity as a serious health issue, improve access to care and treatment options, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of obesity in the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 4818

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 4818

Bill HR 4818 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 20, 2023. Bill HR 4818 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on July 20, 2023.  Bill HR 4818's most recent activity was Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 118-959, Part I. as of December 27, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4818

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
2
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
344
Democrat Cosponsors
257
Republican Cosponsors
87
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4818

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

- Congressional oversight
- Health care coverage and access
- Health personnel
- Health promotion and preventive care
- Medical research
- Medicare
- Mental health
- Nutrition and diet
- Physical fitness and lifestyle
- Prescription drugs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4818

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the coordination of programs to prevent and treat obesity, and for other purposes.

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