S. 1973: Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025

Overview

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 is proposed legislation aimed at addressing the growing issue of obesity among older adults, particularly those with Medicare coverage. The bill seeks to amend the Social Security Act to improve the management, treatment, and prevention of obesity through various measures.

Key Provisions

• Expansion of Healthcare Providers for Therapy

  The bill allows for an expanded list of healthcare professionals who can provide intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. This includes not only qualified primary care physicians but also:
• Other physicians not classified as primary care
• Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists
• Clinical psychologists and registered dietitians
• Community-based lifestyle counseling programs approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services

• Coordination with Primary Care

  For certain types of intensive behavioral therapy provided by non-primary care providers, coordination with a primary care physician is required. This involves referral processes and communication between the providers to ensure comprehensive care.

• Medicare Part D Coverage for Obesity Medications

  The legislation also modifies Medicare Part D to allow coverage for obesity medications. It specifies that weight loss drugs are covered if they are prescribed for individuals who are overweight and have related health issues.

• Reporting Requirements

  After the enactment of the bill, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to submit a report to Congress within one year. This report must detail the implementation of the bill's provisions and offer recommendations for improved coordination within federal programs related to obesity treatment and prevention.

Findings Justifying the Bill

The bill is based on findings that indicate a significant and growing obesity epidemic among older adults, highlighting key statistics such as:

• 41% of adults aged 60 and over are affected by obesity.
• Obesity is the second leading cause of death in the U.S., causing approximately 300,000 deaths annually.
• Obesity increases the risk for various chronic diseases, contributing to higher healthcare costs and decreased quality of life.

These findings emphasize the urgent need for effective obesity prevention and treatment strategies within the Medicare system.

Implementation Timeline

The changes outlined in this bill regarding Medicare coverage for obesity medications would take effect two years after the bill is enacted.

Relevant Companies

• NVTA: Invitae Corporation, which specializes in genetic testing, may see increased demand for services to assess genetic factors contributing to obesity.
• AMGN: Amgen Inc., a biotechnology company that produces medications including treatments for obesity, may experience growth in market potential as more obesity therapies receive coverage.
• UNH: UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, a major health insurance company, could be impacted significantly due to changes in policy that affect Medicare coverage and overall healthcare costs associated with obesity.