New OCAN Survey: Majority of Eligible Older Americans View Coverage of GLP-1s as a Top Priority, yet 82% are Unaware of New Medicare Obesity Program

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 9, 2026--

Today, the Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) released new survey data revealing strong demand among older Americans for Medicare coverage of FDA-approved obesity medications and a significant opportunity for Medicare Part D plans considering participation in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ BALANCE (Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive Health) Model.

The national survey of more than 2,130 Americans age 65 and older highlights a major awareness gap: although millions of seniors medically qualify for weight management treatment, 82% remain unaware that Medicare is launching a program designed to enable access to obesity medications.

More than one-quarter of older Americans (27%) report they have already been told by a health professional that they qualify for medical weight management based on their BMI or related conditions such as heart disease or pre-diabetes.

“Our findings make it clear that older Americans are not only ready for better access to obesity care and treatment—they are actively seeking it,” said Cristy Gallagher, Coordinator of the Obesity Care Advocacy Network. “As the BALANCE model enrollment deadline approaches, Part D plans have a significant opportunity—and responsibility—to meet this demand and sign up to participate. Older Americans have been waiting too long for access to medications that will address this chronic disease. They will finally have a chance—but only if their Part D plans participate.”

The survey also shows that obesity treatment coverage is already shaping how seniors evaluate their Medicare options. Among medically eligible older Americans, nearly 60% say they are considering switching Part D plans to access coverage for obesity medications.

Key Findings Include:

• 82% of older Americans do not know that Medicare is launching a program to enable access to obesity medication.
• Over 1 in 4 older Americans have been told by a doctor that their BMI or a related condition (such as heart disease or pre-diabetes) qualifies them for medical help with weight management.
• Nearly three-fourths (74%) of medically eligible older Americans view GLP-1 coverage as a top-tier health priority.
• One-third of all older Americans use obesity care as a primary benchmark for whether a Medicare plan is "high quality."
• 67% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans view Medicare coverage of obesity treatments as a high-priority issue.

Complete survey results are available at: https://obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com/news/medicare-obesity-care-access-poll

Survey infographic is available at: https://obesitycareadvocacynetwork.com/news/the-medicare-awareness-gap-infographic

Visit OCAN for additional information about the BALANCE model.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260409860176/en/

CONTACT: Caitlin Burns, Communications

Obesity Care Advocacy Network

[email protected]

KEYWORD: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FDA DIABETES HEALTH CONSUMER OTHER HEALTH PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH GENERAL HEALTH WHITE HOUSE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FITNESS & NUTRITION HEALTH INSURANCE SCIENCE SENIORS

SOURCE: Obesity Care Advocacy Network

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PUB: 04/09/2026 06:00 AM/DISC: 04/09/2026 06:00 AM

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