Global Liver Institute Supports CMS Coverage of Obesity Medications
(Washington, D.C., January 22, 2025) – Global Liver Institute (GLI) was very pleased to see the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) take the step towards expanding coverage for anti-obesity medications when used to treat obesity in the Medicare Part D and Medicaid programs. This is a seminal step to ensuring Americans living with obesity are able to access the care they need on the front end to prevent diseases in the long term. GLI commented in response to the CMS proposal that we strongly agree with identifying obesity as a chronic disease and covering obesity medications, an important step towards curbing our nation’s chronic disease epidemic. GLI shared with CMS that rising obesity prevalence and the looming epidemic of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are costly. Yet, coverage for anti-obesity medications will reduce obesity prevalence and address the looming epidemic of MASH/NASH and will also help address chronic illness in underserved rural populations. By supporting coverage of obesity drugs, CMS has an opportunity to ultimately save the Medicare program money, reduce chronic disease and cancer in patients, as well as mitigate the need for liver transplants. We understand the new administration is pausing to review new and proposed rules and urge that this one be allowed to advance into a final regulation as it is consistent with efforts to reduce chronic disease and improve the health of all Americans.
About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. GLI holds Platinum Transparency with Candid/GuideStar, is a member of the National Health Council, and serves as a Healthy People 2030 Champion. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube or visit www.globalliver.org. GLI is the host of Global Fatty Liver Day.