SB455

I support SB 455 because it establishes clear, medically grounded criteria for GLP-1 coverage and prevents insurers from using opaque or inconsistent rules to deny evidence-based treatment. Ensuring access for patients with severe obesity and related comorbidities strengthens transparency, reduces administrative friction, and aligns coverage with clinical need.

I am a user of a GLPT-1 medication to address the disease of Obesity. This disease runs in my family and I have tried many other alternatives to loosing weight and keeping it off. Over the past 2 years that I have been on the medication, I have lost 125lbs, improved my sleep apnea, I am not using my asthma inhaler as much and also allowed me to finally have surgery for a knee replacement. This medication is no different than using my asthma inhaler. It is a tool that my medical doctor has prescribed to me just like my asthma inhaler and the Singular maintenance medication I take daily for that disease. Please support this medication for humans that it will benefit regardless of their social - economic situation! PS: Apologies fo my late submission!

Dear Members of the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee, My name is Joseph Zucchi, PA-C, and I am a Physician Associate and Clinical Supervisor at Transition Medical Weight Loss in Salem, New Hampshire. I specialize in obesity medicine and work directly with patients every day to manage obesity as a chronic disease using evidence-based medical care. I am writing in strong support of SB 455. Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that affects a significant portion of our population and is a major driver of other serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease. Despite this, access to effective treatment remains inconsistent and often limited by insurance coverage. In clinical practice, I regularly see patients who are highly motivated to improve their health but are unable to access appropriate treatment due to coverage restrictions. Anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 therapies, are among the most effective tools we have, yet many patients are denied coverage or face barriers that delay or prevent care. At our practice, we have successfully treated thousands of patients through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes medical care, nutrition, and lifestyle support. These results are not just about weight loss. They translate into meaningful improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar control, and overall quality of life. When patients are able to access appropriate treatment, we see real reductions in long-term health risks. When they cannot, their conditions often worsen, leading to increased healthcare utilization and higher long-term costs. SB 455 represents an important step toward aligning coverage with the current medical understanding of obesity. Providing Medicaid coverage for evidence-based anti-obesity medications will help ensure that patients have access to the same standard of care that is already available in other areas of medicine. It is also important to recognize that obesity treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Medications are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive care plan that includes medical supervision, nutrition counseling, and behavioral support. Expanding coverage allows providers to deliver this level of care more effectively and helps patients achieve sustainable, long-term results. From both a clinical and public health perspective, improving access to obesity treatment is an investment in prevention. Addressing obesity earlier and more effectively can reduce the burden of chronic disease and improve outcomes across the healthcare system. Thank you for your time and for your consideration of this important legislation. Sincerely, Joseph Zucchi, PA-C

Type II diabetes is more prevalent in low income groups. Untreated diabetes resulting in serious complications including vascular diseases, kidney failure, loss of eyesight, and comorbidities including obesity, heart disease and hypertension cost so much more than the GLP-1 medications that mitigate and prevent them. Vote Ought to Pass on this bill.