S. 1973 — Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025

This section states eight congressional findings on obesity among adults aged 60 and older, including its 41% prevalence during 2015-2016 (over 27 million people), approximately 300,000 annual deaths as the second leading cause, increased risks for chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes), Medicare spending of $50 billion on obese beneficiaries (2014), average added cost of $2,018 per obese beneficiary (2019 dollars), and projected 47% prevalence among Medicare beneficiaries by 2030 (from 28% in 2010).

This section authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand Medicare Part B coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity—a preventive service currently furnished primarily by qualified primary care physicians and practitioners—to additional providers, including (1) non-primary care physicians; (2) other health care professionals such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, clinical psychologists, and registered dietitians or nutrition professionals; and (3) Secretary-approved, evidence-based community-based lifestyle counseling programs. Coverage for providers in (2) and (3) requires a referral from, and coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner (including communication of recommendations or treatment plans), and furnishing in an office, hospital outpatient department, HIPAA-compliant community site, or other Secretary-specified setting.

This section revises Medicare Part D (i.e., the outpatient prescription drug benefit) coverage exclusions to permit coverage of drugs otherwise excluded under subparagraph (A) (e.g., weight loss agents) when used for treatment of obesity (as defined in SSA §1861(yy)(2)(C)) or weight loss management for overweight individuals (as defined in SSA §1861(yy)(2)(F)(i)) with one or more related comorbidities. The changes apply to plan years beginning on or after two years after enactment.

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress not later than one year after enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, describing steps taken to implement this Act and its amendments. The report must also include recommendations for improved coordination and leveraging of HHS and other federal programs supporting research and clinical care (such as physician and provider interactions with patients) to treat, reduce, and prevent adult obesity.