Just one day after the American Medical Association classified obesity as a disease, U.S. lawmakers introduced bipartisan bills in the Senate and House of Representatives that would require Medicare to cover more obesity treatment costs!
Given the current climate of Washington, it’s amazing to see both parties working together on any health legislation. Despite the differences in parties, 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans worked together worked together to spearhead the legislation.
“As a physician, I have personally seen the impact of obesity on people’s health and spiraling health care costs,” said Representative Bill Cassidy (R-LA). “This legislation would help empower physicians to use all the tools in their arsenal to combat this epidemic.”
Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) added, “If we continue to stand idly by while more and more people become overweight and obese, for the first time in our country’s history our children will live shorter lives than we adults do.”
Nearly 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, and 42 percent are projected to become obese by 2030. Health care costs related to obesity total nearly $200 billion each year.
The Surgical Specialists of LA & MS applaud this group for introducing the legislation. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act gives Medicare beneficiaries and their health care providers additional tools to reduce obesity.
To learn more about how the Surgical Specialists of LA & MS can help patients attain a healthy weight, reduce health issues, and enjoy a higher quality of life again through weight loss surgery or our MyWeight Health and Wellness Counseling, attend a free seminar or call us at 877-691-3001.
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