On January 27, 2025, Aimed Alliance commented on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for obesity treatments. In its comment, Aimed Alliance urged CMS to swiftly finalize the rule, and ensure that health plans implement utilization management policies based on clinical evidence.
Specifically, Aimed Alliance urged CMS to prohibit health plans from requiring patients to try off-label medications before providing coverage of the prescribed anti-obesity drugs. Off-label step therapy can delay effective treatment and pose unnecessary health risks. Additionally, the letter called on CMS to monitor the financial impact of covering anti-obesity medications, specifically tracking potential long-term savings related to the treatment of chronic conditions often associated with obesity. Finally, Aimed Alliance emphasized the importance of provider discretion during treatment. Emphasizing that healthcare providers should be empowered to make clinical decisions based on individual patient needs. Read the letter here.
Last Updated on February 1, 2025 by Aimed Alliance
