Currently, Ohio state employees have access to Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved GLP-1-based medications to treat obesity and prevent diabetes. However, as of July 1, the state has announced it will eliminate coverage of GLP-1 therapies for obesity treatment.
“Ending any form of coverage for this life-changing medication would disrupt care and could lead to rebound weight gain and associated health conditions, putting patients at risk for ongoing costly and preventable illnesses, including type 2 diabetes,” said Gary Dougherty, state government affairs director for the American Diabetes Association ® (ADA).
A bill is being introduced by State Rep. Josh Williams (Sylvania Twp.) to allow eligible state employees to be reimbursed by the state for out-of-pocket costs of up to $500 per month during the first year and up to $250 per month in the second year for FDA-approved obesity medications used for chronic weight management.
In the meantime, with July 1 only days away, the ADA urges the state to not abandon its commitment to its state employees who are already using GLP-1 medications and immediately restore this coverage. Approximately 3.4 million adults in Ohio, or 36% of the adult population, have obesity. The adult obesity rate in the state is also projected to increase to 53% by 2030.
Investing in health care and treatments of chronic diseases like obesity benefits the individual, society, and ultimately Ohio taxpayers. Maintaining coverage for FDA-approved obesity medications is no different. These medications have demonstrated significant reduction in excess weight, improved health, and are proven preventive interventions for type 2 diabetes, as well as heart, kidney, and liver disease. Losing access to GLP-1 medications will halt the weight loss journey of many and likely increase health care costs and rates of obesity among state employees.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure—and we’re not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
