A proposed bill in Maryland aims to make weight loss medications available to Medicaid patients, but its implementation faces a significant obstacle: cost. The state is grappling with a budget shortfall, and the projected cost of over $200 million has raised concerns. However, the sponsor of Senate Bill 876, Senator Steve Hershey, argues that the cost estimate is “wildly inflated.”
If passed, the bill would allow Medicaid patients to access weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy starting in July 2026.
Support for the Bill
Nikki Massie, a Maryland resident who has struggled with obesity for years, testified in support of the bill. She shared her desire to access GLP-1 semaglutide medications, which are currently not covered for most Medicaid recipients in the state. Massie, a breast cancer survivor, emphasized the importance of treating obesity as a medical condition rather than something that should be overcome through willpower alone.
“The reason why we hear so much about GLP-1 medications is because they work, and the reason why they’re demonized is because of stigma,” Massie explained. “The science just doesn’t back up that we have as much control over it for that to be warranted.”
Massie pointed out the stark difference in how obesity is treated compared to other diseases like cancer. She called for a more compassionate approach to addressing obesity, with access to effective treatments.
Cost and Coverage Concerns
Currently, Maryland’s Medicaid program only covers bariatric surgeries and behavioral therapy for obesity treatment. The proposed bill would expand coverage to include weight loss medications, but the high cost is a significant concern.
The Maryland Department of Health estimates that 15% of Medicaid patients would be eligible for the drugs, costing the state $225 million per year. However, Senator Hershey believes these figures are too high and estimates only 3% of Medicaid recipients would qualify. He pointed out that some states have seen even fewer individuals seeking coverage.
Preventing Future Health Issues
Senator Hershey argues that providing access to weight loss medications could save the state money in the long run by preventing more expensive health issues like diabetes and heart disease. “Imagine if we treated high blood pressure this way: Tell patients just eat less salt—and then wait until they need heart surgery,” Hershey said.
The bill has the support of doctors, who testified that the medications are less invasive than surgery and can be an effective treatment for obesity.
Wider Support and Stigma Reduction
Fourteen other states already cover weight loss medications for Medicaid patients. Advocates argue that these drugs offer a more effective and less invasive option than surgery, and that treating obesity as a medical condition rather than a personal failing is crucial.
Massie added that those living with obesity deserve better treatment and access to medications that could improve their quality of life. “Even if you don’t care about people who live with obesity, it’s just an efficient and effective way to handle things,” she said.
Senator Hershey also criticized the current approach, stating that Maryland Medicaid covers expensive treatments like dialysis and emergency surgeries for conditions resulting from obesity but does not cover medications that could prevent these outcomes. He called this policy “senseless.”
The bill would not mandate coverage for all Medicaid recipients, but rather allow doctors to determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
Next Steps
The Maryland legislature has already studied this issue in 2024, and lawmakers are now considering whether to advance the bill. As the debate continues, advocates hope that access to weight loss medications will be expanded to improve health outcomes and reduce the long-term costs of treating obesity-related diseases.
