Opinion: Gutting Medi-Cal's weight loss drug coverage will cost more in the long run

"By cutting this drug coverage, policymakers say they'll be able to save more than $600 million by 2029. But they've got it all wrong. Obesity is a significant driver of skyrocketing health care spending because it's a major risk factor for other costly, chronic conditions. Keeping evidence-based obesity treatments like these drugs accessible would more than pay for itself in the long run by making Californians healthier and more productive."

"In California, roughly 3 in 5 adults are overweight or obese, including disproportionate numbers of low-income Californians and people of color. That puts them at higher risk of developing numerous other chronic conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Overcoming those risks can be challenging, especially given that genetics alone may account for up to 70% of people's differences in body weight."

Medi-Cal will no longer cover weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound unless they are prescribed to treat diabetes. Policymakers estimate the change will save more than $600 million by 2029. Obesity increases risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and drives higher health care spending. About three in five California adults are overweight or obese, with higher prevalence among low-income people and people of color. Genetics may explain up to 70% of body-weight differences, limiting success of lifestyle interventions alone. In 2023, Medi-Cal coverage enabled over 660,000 Californians to access these drugs and coincided with a national obesity rate decline.

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