Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16]
- Committees
- Ways and Means Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 27, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance access to comprehensive obesity prevention and treatment services and medications for Medicare beneficiaries by broadening provider eligibility and drug coverage under existing Medicare programs.
What it actually does
This bill expands Medicare coverage for obesity treatment by allowing a broader range of healthcare providers, including registered dietitians and community-based programs, to furnish intensive behavioral therapy. It also removes the current exclusion of obesity medications from Medicare Part D coverage, making these drugs eligible for reimbursement.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill addresses a significant public health crisis by expanding access to evidence-based obesity treatments, which can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases, improve life expectancy, and ultimately lower long-term healthcare costs for Medicare. They emphasize the growing prevalence of obesity among older adults and its associated economic burden.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the increased costs to the Medicare program and federal budget due to expanded coverage for behavioral therapy and obesity medications. They might also question the long-term effectiveness of these interventions or suggest that lifestyle changes should be prioritized over pharmaceutical solutions, or that the cost burden on taxpayers and beneficiaries could be substantial.
The bill is concise and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for evaluation of its core provisions.
Section 3, amending Section 1861(ddd) of the Social Security Act
Expansion of Qualified Health Care Providers for Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity
This provision allows Medicare to cover intensive behavioral therapy for obesity when furnished by a broader range of healthcare providers, beyond just qualified primary care physicians. This includes other physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, clinical psychologists, registered dietitians or nutrition professionals, and approved evidence-based, community-based lifestyle counseling programs. These services must be furnished upon referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this expansion is crucial for addressing the obesity epidemic by making evidence-based behavioral therapy more accessible to Medicare beneficiaries, particularly in underserved areas. It leverages a wider pool of qualified professionals and community resources to deliver necessary care.
Critics contend
Some might argue that expanding the types of providers could lead to inconsistent quality of care or increased administrative burden for oversight, despite the bill's inclusion of referral and coordination requirements.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for increased access to obesity care with concerns about maintaining quality and ensuring effective coordination among a more diverse group of healthcare providers.
Section 4, amending Section 1860D-2(e)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act
Inclusion of Obesity Medications in Medicare Part D Coverage
This provision removes the current exclusion of drugs used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss management (for overweight individuals with one or more related comorbidities) from Medicare Part D coverage. This means that prescription drugs specifically for obesity treatment would become covered Part D drugs, effective two years after the bill's enactment.
Section 5
Biennial Report to Congress on Implementation and Coordination
This section requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment, and every two years thereafter. The report must describe the steps taken to implement the Act and include recommendations for better coordination and leveraging of programs within HHS and other federal agencies related to obesity research, clinical care, treatment, reduction, and prevention in adults.