Weight Loss Medication Covered By Medicaid

For children enrolled in medicaid the early and periodic screening diagnostic and treatment epsdt.

Weight loss medication covered by medicaid. Medicaid and the children s health insurance program chip can play a role in reducing the rate of obesity in the united states by improving access to health care services that support healthy weight. Documented weight loss required for prescription renewal. Al medicaid excludes coverage of drugs used for anorexia weight loss or weight gain other than those specified by the alabama medicaid agency as above.

But they don t help everyone. Gastric bypass lap band gastric sleeve surgeries are all covered once the requirements are met. Some do anyway though so check your specific policy to see if it covers or excludes the drug you re looking to take.

As for weight loss medications medicare drug plans also known as medicare part d aren t required to cover them. The medicare prescription drug program specifically excludes coverage of obesity drugs. Adults and one in six children and adolescents are obese.

Organized by state this research. Still things are starting to slowly change for the better kyle says. Approximately one in three u s.

According to families usa weight loss drugs are one of nine classes of drugs that medicaid programs can exclude from coverage under federal law this does not necessarily mean they are not covered. Health plans have a spotty history paying for fda approved weight loss drugs and the affordable care act doesn t require their coverage specifically. In many cases states have included coverage for these medications.

Kyle says both are often needed and should be covered but insurers often deny the care. Research shows that some people taking prescription weight loss medications lose 10 percent or more of their starting weight. The question will medicaid pay for weight loss drugs is answered in the august 2010 report medicaid fee for service treatment of obesity intervention pdf.