Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 **What the Bill Does** This bill would expand Medicare coverage for obesity treatment in two main ways. First, it would allow Medicare to pay for weight loss counseling and behavioral therapy provided by a wider range of healthcare professionals—including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and approved counseling programs—rather than limiting coverage to primary care doctors only. Second, it would extend Medicare's prescription drug coverage to include weight loss and obesity medications for people who are overweight, which is currently not covered. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (people 65 and older, plus some younger disabled individuals) who struggle with obesity or weight management.
It could also impact healthcare providers like specialists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners who treat obesity, as well as pharmaceutical companies that manufacture weight loss medications. The changes would potentially make these treatments more accessible and affordable for seniors. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025This 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.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.