Prepared by Christopher Gallagher, OCC Washington Representative

OPM Issues Guidance Supporting FEHB Program Coverage of Obesity Care

In a February 17, 2022 carrier letter and a subsequent March 16, 2022 technical guidance letter , the Federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) spelled out specific guidance for health insurance carriers that administer Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) plans — "clarifying that FEHB Carriers are not allowed to exclude anti-obesity medications from coverage based on a benefit…

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Prepared by Christopher Gallagher, OCC Washington Representative

Advocates Virtually Swarm Capitol Hill in Support of TROA

During Obesity Care Week (OCW), advocates from both inside and outside of the obesity community participated in roughly 100 congressional visits — urging House and Senate offices to support passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA). The OCW advocacy push came as TROA passed the critical milestone of 150 total supporters in the House and Senate! Please…

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Prepared by Christopher Gallagher, OCC Washington Representative

Dr. Angela Fitch Joins HHS Listening Session on Obesity On January 27th, Obesity Medicine Association President-Elect and Obesity Action Coalition Board Member Dr. Angela Fitch joined other stakeholder groups for a roundtable “listening session” with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. The event, which was coordinated through the Secretary’s office, focused on obesity and nutrition. Dr. Fitch joined representatives from other stakeholder groups, including Trust for America’s Health,…

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Prepared by Chris Gallagher, OCC Washington Representative

In this report: OCW February 28th and March 4th Advocacy Days, Legislative & Regulatory Update on TROA, and OCC Leaders Submit Testimony Supporting Anti-Weight Discrimination Bill

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ASMBS Statement on Cleveland Clinic Study

Newswise — NEWBERRY, FL – Nov. 11, 2021– A new Cleveland Clinic study shows that patients with obesity and advanced fatty liver disease who had bariatric surgery (weight-loss surgery) significantly lowered their risk for severe liver disease and serious cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, compared to patients who did not have the surgery. The study was published online today in JAMA.

Researchers found bariatric surgery was associated…

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