Obesity Action Coalition Blog

On February 25, 2009, Virginia elected officials will be voting on proposed legislation to eliminate coverage of gastric bypass for all state employees beginning July 1, 2009 as part of Governor Kaine’s budget reduction efforts. The ultimate decision on whether or not the benefit is cut is now in the hands of a Conference Committee (Budget Conferees).

The OAC believes that the elimination of bariatric surgery negatively impacts the quality of health and life of the employees of Virginia by denying them access to needed medical care. Morbid obesity is a complex disease that requires treatment. The medical treatment of morbid obesity decreases mortality, improves or resolves obesity-related illnesses and improves quality of life. Denying patients and their physicians proven options for treatment is an ill-advised, short-term economic decision that endangers the long-term health of many state employees.

The OAC urgently requests that all state employees who have had bariatric surgery and those considering bariatric surgery educate the Budget Conferees via phone or email about the importance of maintaining the state employee bariatric surgery benefit. This issue is very important. Everyday, we read about the impact obesity has on our society, and now it is time for those affected by obesity to come together and demand continued access.

Please click here to view the OAC’s Guide for state employees of Virginia.

On February 24, the Nebraska Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee will be considering legislation (Bill #LB 326) that would add bariatric surgery coverage.

NECHIP currently excludes the treatment of morbid obesity through bariatric surgery. The OAC believes that the exclusion of bariatric surgery and obesity management services negatively impacts the quality of health and life of the citizens of Nebraska by denying them access to needed medical care especially those at high-risk, like the members of NECHIP. Denying patients and their physicians proven options for treatment is an ill-advised, short-term economic decision that endangers the long-term health of many of the citizens of Nebraska.

We encourage you to reach out to the appropriate officials immediately and voice your concerns on the importance of adding this life-saving benefit to NECHIP.

Please click here to view the OAC’s advocacy guide for the state of Nebraska.

Please click here to view Bill #LB 326 (PDF).