The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) applauds the Maryland General Assembly for passing Senate Bill 496 allowing Maryland Medicaid to cover full obesity treatments, including weight-loss medications, if the state chooses to do so, and notifies patients. The strong bipartisan support from the Maryland General Assembly was vital to the successful passage of the important policy. The ADA appreciates Maryland Governor Wes Moore for allowing this measure to be enacted.
Under the newly passed law, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is empowered to offer comprehensive treatment options to low-income individuals enrolled in Medicaid heavily impacted by chronic weight-related conditions.
“Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that deserves the same evidence-based care and treatment as any other serious health condition,” said Monica Billger, ADA’s director of state government affairs. “Medicaid can elect to cover these evidence-based treatments, taking a necessary step toward reducing long-term stigma and bias and healthcare costs associated with diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses. Senate Bill 496 represents important progress toward improving access to care and ensuring people living with obesity are treated with dignity and respect.”
Obesity is closely linked to numerous chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and over 200 other medical conditions. Expanding options to address obesity treatment helps to improve long-term health and the quality of life for Marylanders, decreases statewide health disparities, and supports healthier communities across Maryland.
The ADA remains committed to advocating for policies that improve access to affordable, evidence-based care for people living with obesity, diabetes, or both.
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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 diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are over 155 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 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).
