Fatty Liver Foundation Supports Biden-Harris Administration Proposal to Expand Coverage for Anti-Obesity Medications
November 26, 2024; Boise, IDAHO —Today, the Fatty Liver Foundation (FLF) applauds the Biden-Harris Administration for proposing a landmark rule to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications (AOMs). This bold step acknowledges obesity as a chronic disease and aims to provide millions of Americans with access to life-changing treatments that improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
With 42% of the U.S. population living with obesity, the disease remains a leading driver of serious comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and steatotic liver conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This new proposal could bring critical therapies within reach for 3.4 million Medicare beneficiaries and 4 million Medicaid enrollees, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs by up to 95% for some individuals.
Wayne Eskridge, Co-Founder and CEO of the Fatty Liver Foundation, remarked, “Expanding coverage for anti-obesity medications is a transformative decision that will improve lives and save countless others. This proposal demonstrates a commitment to addressing obesity as a chronic disease and reducing its devastating ripple effects on conditions like steatotic liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease.”
FLF has long advocated for policies to address obesity, recognizing its indirect but substantial impact on liver health. Through efforts like the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) and collaboration with key stakeholders, FLF has emphasized the importance of accessible and affordable treatment options.
Henry E. Chang, Executive Director of the Fatty Liver Foundation, added, “Obesity is not just a risk factor—it is a disease requiring comprehensive management. By expanding access to effective treatments, this proposal supports millions of Americans in leading healthier lives and reduces the burden of chronic diseases like MASH on our healthcare system. We applaud this administration’s leadership and vision.”
This proposal is a critical step toward integrating nutrition, behavior, and medication into comprehensive care strategies that address obesity and its related conditions, including liver disease. FLF remains committed to supporting this initiative and continuing its advocacy for individuals living with steatotic liver disease.
About the Fatty Liver Foundation
The Fatty Liver Foundation is a non-profit patient advocacy organization dedicated to improving the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and support of people living with fatty liver, NAFLD/MASLD, or NASH/MASH through awareness, screening, education, and patient outreach. FLF’s goal is to improve the lives of both asymptomatic and diagnosed patients by raising awareness, advancing wellness screening, educating patients, and championing the development of responsive support systems for individuals affected by the growing epidemic of fatty liver disease. Connect with us on www.fattyliverfoundation.org, Facebook (Fatty Liver Foundation JUST LIVER NEWS), X (@LiverSaver), and YouTube (Fatty Liver Foundation).
Media Contact
Henry E. Chang
Executive Director, Fatty Liver Foundation
+1 917 400 8900 | [email protected]
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