LULAC Applauds Reintroduction of Treat and Reduce Obesity Act to Expand Access for Older Americans

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization dedicated to engaging and empowering Latinos on critical issues such as healthcare access, joins other leading organizations in applauding the reintroduction of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) in the 119th Congress. This legislation aims to improve obesity care for older Americans, especially those in vulnerable communities.

On April 4, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) declined to cover anti-obesity medications (AOMs), including GLP-1s, as a “medically necessary” treatment for obesity under Medicare Part D. On Thursday, June 5, LULAC joined other advocates in supporting TROA—a critical step toward expanding coverage for intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) and allowing Medicare Part D to cover FDA-approved AOMs, including GLP-1s.

Introduced in the Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), TROA would ensure Medicare beneficiaries have improved access to life-changing obesity treatments. In the House, Rep. Raúl Ruiz (D-CA) is the lead Democratic sponsor and is teaming up with Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) as a bipartisan cosponsor, reflecting broad support for this essential legislation.

Obesity impacts 41.9% of U.S. adults and remains a leading chronic disease affecting millions of Latino families nationwide. According to the CDC (2023), Latino adults are disproportionately affected, with 45.6% meeting obesity criteria. Furthermore, the CDC’s National Survey of Children’s Health (2022) reports that 25.8% of Latino children ages 2–19 have obesity—significantly higher than the 15.5% rate among their non-Latino white peers. These disparities contribute to severe health inequities and increase risks for related conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

LULAC National President Roman Palomares stated, “TROA is a vital chance to remove the hurdles blocking older adults from getting the obesity care they need. Access to medications like GLP-1s isn’t just about medicine—it’s about fairness and respect for our community. LULAC played a key role in securing dozens of cosponsors for TROA in the last Congress, and we’re fully committed to making that happen again.”

Dr. Ray Serrano, LULAC’s National Director of Research and Policy, added, “Failing to provide coverage for obesity treatments today means that Latino families—who already face so many challenges—will end up paying a much heavier price down the road. The financial strain and human suffering from inaction are real and deeply troubling. That’s why passing TROA isn’t just about health; it’s about protecting the futures of our communities and giving the most vulnerable in our community a fighting chance.”

LULAC remains committed to advancing healthcare equity and applauds Congress for taking meaningful steps to improve obesity treatment access for all Medicare beneficiaries.

For questions or follow-up, please contact Dr. Ray Serrano, National Director of Research and Policy, at [email protected].

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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org.