The future of GLP-1 obesity medications like Zepbound and Wegovy is on the line, and your voice is needed right now. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is accepting public comments on whether to expand coverage for anti-obesity medications, and this decision could drastically shape accessibility for years to come.
This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it’s a rare, powerful chance to influence whether millions of people can afford life-changing treatments. If you’ve ever fought for access to GLP-1s or seen others struggle, now’s the time to step up. Here’s what’s at stake and why your comment matters.
The Clock is Ticking—And the Stakes Are Huge
Obesity isn’t a lifestyle choice; it’s a chronic disease that requires effective, science-backed treatments like GLP-1 medications. But for most Americans, these medications remain out of reach because of high costs and limited insurance coverage.
That’s why this public comment period matters so much. If CMS decides to expand Medicare coverage for GLP-1s, it could trigger a domino effect, prompting private insurers to follow suit and making these medications more accessible to everyone. This could mean fewer people suffering from obesity-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain. It could mean fewer lives lost to stigma and lack of treatment.
This decision isn’t just about policy. It’s about real people who are relying on CMS to step up and address this crisis head-on.
Why Your Voice Matters
Public comments are a crucial part of the decision-making process. CMS reviews every submission, and the stories shared can influence the outcome. Numbers and statistics are important, but they don’t compare to the power of personal stories.
If GLP-1 medications have changed your life or the life of someone you care about, share your story. If you’ve been denied access due to cost or insurance barriers, explain how that’s impacted you. And if you’re a healthcare provider, describe the transformative effects these treatments have had on your patients. These are the kinds of messages that resonate and make policymakers take notice.
What to Say
Submitting your comment is quick and easy through the Obesity Action Coalition’s website. Your words don’t have to be perfect—just speak from the heart.
Here are some ideas to help guide your comment:
• Share your personal experience:
• “I’ve been using a GLP-1 medication for the last year, and it has completely transformed my health. My blood sugar is finally under control, I’ve lost weight safely, and I feel like myself again. Without insurance, I couldn’t have afforded this treatment, and I know many others who still can’t. Expanding coverage would give more people the chance to live healthier lives.”
• Highlight the cost barrier:
• “As someone who has struggled with obesity for years, I’ve faced endless stigma and few treatment options. GLP-1 medications gave me hope and results I never thought possible. But they’re too expensive without insurance, and many people I know are being forced to go without. CMS needs to take the lead and expand access.”
• Advocate for the bigger picture:
• “Obesity is a chronic disease that impacts every aspect of a person’s life. Expanding Medicare coverage for GLP-1 medications is an opportunity to save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and combat the stigma that surrounds this condition.”
The Time to Act is Now
The deadline for public comments is January 25, 2025. Missing this window means waiting years for another opportunity—and in that time, millions will continue to struggle without access to effective treatment.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference in the fight for obesity treatment, this is it. Take five minutes, share your story, and be a part of the change we so desperately need.
Stay tuned to OnThePen.com for more updates and in-depth analysis on the latest developments in weight loss and diabetes treatments. Sharing this article is a powerful form of advocacy that brings us closer to our goal of educating the masses and reducing the stigma of obesity. If you found this article insightful, please share it within your networks, especially in Facebook groups and Reddit forums dedicated to GLP-1 medications and diabetes management. Together, we can make a difference.
I am part of a group that is working with the nation's largest privately help third party administrator of self-funded health plans to provide GLP solutions for said TPA's employers. This TPA has around 2.9 million covered lives in its portfolio so it's a huge player. Based on a sample of roughly 1,350 beneficiaries currently taking a branded version of GLP's, based on the average price we are charging for compounded versions, just on this sample alone this conversion would save this sample $6.48 million. We estimate that for every 1 million people converting the savings are around $5.7 BILLION.
If half the population converted this is $70 billion issue. Dave you have my email so if inclined please rea…
I started taking a GLP1, 20 months ago, pre- diabetic, high blood pressure, morbidly obese with the hopes that it would help me not only lose weight but increase my stamina, decrease my inflammation in my body and decrease pain on my joints etc. Not only have I lost 87 lbs in that time frame but my health has improved significantly. I am no longer pre diabetics, or on blood pressure medicine, sleep apnea machine and my Hashimoto's symptoms have regulated for the first time in a years. The impact on my health has been undeniable. . I went from being able to get the meds for free, with my CHAMPVA insurance, to now for the last 5 months playi…
Eighteen months ago, my blood work showed that I was pre-diabetic. I was overweight, inflamed, joint pain, migraines 4-5 times a week, on blood pressure and proton pump for GERD meds.. My health was spiraling downward. My daugher who is a Physician Assisstant told me that I must get out of the pre-diabetic range or would most likely progress to full-blown diabetes, which creates not only the above miladies but a host of other problems. I discovered compounded terzipatide, went into debt to buy it, and never looked back. I lost 50 pounds but the most important thing for me is I am keeping my A1c down under the pre-diabetic threshold number. I feel healthy and no longer ha…
As someone who has struggled with obesity for years, I’ve faced endless stigma and few treatment options. GLP-1 medications gave me hope and results I never thought possible. But they’re too expensive without insurance, and many people I know are being forced to go without. CMS needs to take the lead and expand access.”