Newly proposed policies would change how obesity medications are covered for nearly half a million Massachusetts residents. Unless the state legislature intervenes, the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission will change their covered benefits and remove access to GLP-1s for people living with obesity.
Limiting Access to “Save” Money
Governor Maura Healey signed the $60.9 billion state budget into law on July 4. However, she vetoed language that would have provided coverage of obesity medications for public employees, citing $27 million in savings for the state. Unless the legislature overrides her veto, this would go into effect January 1, 2026.
Medical providers recognize obesity as a complex, chronic health condition with widespread effects on physical and mental well-being. Limiting access to medically appropriate treatment may have much higher, long-term public health and cost implications, particularly in a state plan that serves millions.
Restricting Treatment May Raise Long-Term Costs
The use of GLP-1s to treat obesity is innovative, life-saving care, with a variety of well-documented benefits, including lower risk of some cancers, stroke, heart attack, sleep apnea, and even migraines and headaches. Blocking coverage for comprehensive obesity treatment increases the risk of related diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease—which are more expensive to manage. Not only can this deepen health disparities, but employers and public health systems may also face higher costs over time.
The path forward will require lawmakers to weigh short-term budget constraints against long-term health outcomes. With coverage hanging in the balance, Massachusetts must decide to treat obesity like the chronic condition it is.
