SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6182
As of January 23, 2024
Title: An act relating to providing prescription drug coverage for the treatment of obesity.
Brief Description: Providing prescription drug coverage for the treatment of obesity.
Sponsors: Senators Rivers, Keiser, Torres and Valdez.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Health & Long Term Care: 1/23/24.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires health plans offered to public employees and their covered dependents issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, and Medicaid managed care organizations to provide prescription drug coverage for glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists and other similar medications when prescribed by a health care provider for the treatment of obesity if the patient meets the requirements.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG TERM CARE
Staff: Julie Tran (786-7283)
Background:

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)  agonists are a class of medication that not only improves blood sugar control but may also lead to weight loss.  The GLP-1 medication mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating. One role of GLP-1 is to prompt the body to produce more insulin, which reduces blood sugar. GLP-1 in higher amounts also interacts with the parts of the brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness.

 

These medications are used to treat people with Type 2 diabetes or to help those with obesity or overweight to lose weight. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, occurring when the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to keep blood sugar at normal levels. GLP-1, which is a normal body hormone, is often found in insufficient levels in Type 2 diabetes patients.


The types of GLP-1 drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for obesity treatment include Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Other GLP-1 drugs such as Rybelsus, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, but not for the treatment of weight-loss management.
Summary of Bill:

A health benefit plan offered to public employees and their covered dependents under this chapter that is issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 must provide prescription drug coverage for GLP-1 agonists and other similar medications when prescribed by a health care provider for the treatment of obesity if the patient is determined to be obese or has a body mass index value of at least 27 with at least one weight-related medical condition.


The Health Care Authority must ensure Medicaid managed care organizations provide prescription drug coverage for GLP-1 agonists and other similar medications when prescribed by a health care provider for the treatment of obesity if the patient is determined to be obese or has a body mass index value of at least 27 with at least one weight-related medical condition.


Obesity or obese means a body mass index value of 30 or more.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 16, 2024.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.