Protect Essential Obesity Treatment Coverage for NC Medicaid and State Workers

As your constituent, I’m writing to advocate for maintaining FDA-approved obesity medication coverage for North Carolina Medicaid beneficiaries and state employees. Obesity is a serious medical condition affecting more than 600,000 residents across our state and contributes to over 200 related health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and renal disorders.

Eliminating coverage for effective treatments like GLP-1 medications would endanger lives while driving up healthcare expenses statewide. Beyond the health implications, this represents a significant economic challenge. Healthy employees mean reduced absenteeism and lower insurance premiums. Studies indicate obesity-related workplace productivity losses can reach $542 annually per worker.

Smart healthcare policy means investing in prevention and treatment now to avoid costlier interventions later. I strongly encourage you to reject budget proposals that would eliminate obesity medication access and instead support the Senate’s initiative to preserve and expand this vital coverage. Our communities depend on your leadership.