Email Insurance Board to Expand Access to Anti-Obesity Meds

Some Wisconsin public service workers will be impacted by an upcoming vote by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Group Insurance Board (GIB) on whether to cover FDA-approved, doctor-prescribed anti-obesity medications in its group health plans. The board is made up of citizens from throughout Wisconsin appointed to two-year terms.

The board is voting on this issue on February 26, 2025. Join the effort to support WEAC’s partners in labor in urging the board to cover these medications, just like our neighboring states.

Obesity is a chronic disease that significantly impacts the quality of life and longevity of millions of people. The rise in obesity rates correlates strongly with associated dangerous and costly health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, immobility, and cancer, all of which pose serious long-term health risks, and contribute to skyrocketing healthcare costs and reduced worker productivity, among other negative health and economic affects.

Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan offer anti-obesity medication as a benefit to public employees, as do numerous other states and the federal government covered plans. Wisconsin’s own Medicaid program covers these medications, as do many private and self-funded employers.

Please contact the GIB before the February 26 meeting to advocate for inclusion of needed anti-obesity medications in health plans.