by OAC Member Kathrin Baeza | San Francisco, CA
I’ve lived most of my life in a bigger body. Like a lot of people, I was told over and over that if I just tried harder—ate less, moved more—I could “fix” it. I tried every diet, app, challenge and program you can imagine. And while I’d often lose weight, it always came back. It was exhausting—physically, emotionally and financially.
A few years ago, I started learning more about obesity as a chronic, complex disease—not a personal failure. That shift changed everything. I found a doctor who specializes in obesity care, and for the first time, I wasn’t met with judgment or condescending advice. Instead, I got real support: evidence-based treatment that included nutrition guidance, mental health support and access to medication that actually works.
But getting that care? It wasn’t easy. I had to jump through hoops with my employer-based insurance—at two different companies—both of which had explicit obesity carve-outs. For much of 2022, all of 2023 and well into 2024, my wife and I paid out-of-pocket for treatment—clinician care, dietetic nutrition support, medications… everything. It added up quickly, and was frustrating to know we were doing everything “right” but still being penalized by a system that didn’t treat obesity as worthy of coverage. I advocated directly with the benefits teams at both companies, making the case for access to evidence-based obesity care. I leaned heavily on company values around diversity, equity and inclusion. The good news? Both companies eventually added obesity treatment to their formularies. The unfortunate part? I moved on before I could personally benefit from those changes.
It wasn’t until I joined my current employer that I finally had access to in-network obesity care. That change felt like someone had finally lifted a significant, suffocating financial burden.
Earlier this year, when CVS Caremark announced that it would be dropping Zepbound in favor of an exclusive preference for Wegovy starting in July, I was bracing for impact. I thought I’d have to start the fight all over again. And I know many people did. I immediately reached out to my company’s benefits team. Thankfully, I learned that my coverage and care would not be interrupted—because my current employer had already prioritized inclusive, comprehensive health benefits that cover obesity care. That decision has made all the difference.
I think about that a lot—how access to care shouldn’t depend on where you work or how loudly you’re willing to fight. I am lucky. But it shouldn’t take luck.
If you’re on this journey too, I see you. Keep advocating. Keep asking questions. Find providers who listen and support you. And if you’re in a position to influence benefits or policy—whether you’re in HR, leadership, or just someone who cares—know this: inclusive coverage isn’t a perk. It’s a lifeline. It’s healthcare. And it matters.
The Obesity Action Coalition is doing vital work to protect and expand access to evidence-based obesity care. My story is just one example of why that work matters. Let’s keep pushing—for better policies, better coverage, and better care for all of us.
Tips for Advocating to Your Employer
If you’ve been impacted by formulary changes with your insurance, here are 5 ways to advocate with your Employer:
- Reach out to your employer’s benefits or total rewards team.
Let them know about your insurance changes, especially if your access to prescribed treatment will be disrupted. - Request that your company opt out of the mid-year formulary change.
Employers can often request to maintain their existing formulary or make an exception—especially when it affects chronic condition care. - Ask them to engage their benefits broker or consultant.
These third-party advisors play a big role in plan design. Request that they advocate for the inclusion of all evidence-based obesity treatments. - Get involved early.
Connect with your benefits coordinator in February or March, when companies typically begin planning for next year’s coverage. That’s the best time to influence decisions. - Share your story.
Real-life impact matters. If you feel safe doing so, tell your HR or leadership team how access—or lack of access—to obesity care has affected your health and finances.
Looking for more information to help you navigate changes to your insurance coverage?
The OAC is hosting an advocacy webinar on June 5th at 7 pm ET with our Senior Advocacy Manager, Sarah Bramblette, who will explain your prescription coverage so you can better navigate your pharmacy benefits to get the treatments you need! Click here to register.
