Kennett's Corner--Advocacy Updates
Senate Bill 455: GLP Medications for NH Medicaid Patients
This bill was one of the first in the nation that the American Diabetes Association tried to push through to cover the cost of GLP medications for those on Medicaid with obesity and diabetes. Obesity medications were covered by NH Medicaid until January 2026. Because of the high cost of these medications, the New Hampshire legislature voted to stop covering the cost. Medicaid in all states took deep cuts with the passage of President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. I testified to the NH House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee in support of the bill. I was accompanied by Matt Prokop, the Director of State Government Affairs, currently responsible for New Hampshire. Hope Damon, a former CDCES and Current NH Representative, gave powerful testimony in support of this bill--but the bill failed. This committee, by their comments, understands the need for this breakthrough medication. Bottom line, there is no money in the Medicaid budget to support the cost of these medications. Many other states are in a similar situation.
What happens next? We remember “Legislative Change is a marathon and not a sprint”. We find out what other Diabetes Related Initiatives we can support!
My next effort is the ADCES Public Policy Form scheduled for June 24th and 25th. It involves half a day of training on the 24th, and a full day of meeting with national legislators or their staff virtually.
It’s a wonderful experience to educate our legislators about issues that are
important to CDCES and our patients.