Wisconsin's ForwardHealth (Wisconsin Medicaid) has expanded coverage of FDA-approved medications for chronic weight management, increasing access to evidence-based obesity treatment for eligible children and adults across the state.

Obesity is a chronic, progressive disease that affects millions of Americans and increases the risk of numerous serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, hypertension, arthritis, infertility, and certain cancers. For many individuals, lifestyle changes alone are not enough due to the complex biology that regulates body weight.

Beginning this month, eligible Wisconsin Medicaid members may now have coverage for:

• Zepbound® (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management in eligible adults
• Foundayo™ for chronic weight management in eligible adults
• Wegovy® (semaglutide) for chronic weight management in eligible adolescents who meet FDA criteria

Coverage is subject to ForwardHealth eligibility requirements, medical necessity criteria, and prior authorization when applicable.

Who May Benefit?

These treatment options may be appropriate for individuals who:

• Have obesity (BMI of 30 or greater)
• Have overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) with weight-related medical conditions such as hypertension, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease
• Are adolescents who meet FDA-approved criteria for treatment with Wegovy®

Medication is only one component of comprehensive obesity care. Every treatment plan should be individualized based on medical history, health goals, underlying conditions, and patient preferences.

No Referral Required

Weight In Gold Wellness is now welcoming Wisconsin Medicaid patients seeking evaluation for comprehensive obesity care and medication eligibility.

Patients do not need a referral and may schedule directly with the practice.

Appointments are available in Madison and Watertown, with telehealth appointments available when appropriate.

Weight In Gold Wellness provides comprehensive obesity medicine and cardiometabolic care, including medical evaluation, nutrition counseling, intensive behavioral therapy, medication management, body composition analysis, FibroScan® liver assessments when clinically appropriate, and long-term support for sustainable health.

"For far too long, many Wisconsin families have had limited access to evidence-based obesity treatment," said Dr. Leslie Golden, Founder and CEO of Weight In Gold Wellness. "Expanding ForwardHealth coverage is an important step toward recognizing obesity as the chronic disease it is and ensuring more children and adults can access the treatments that may improve their health, quality of life, and future well-being."

Individuals interested in learning more about Wisconsin Medicaid coverage for weight management medications or determining whether they may qualify are encouraged to contact Weight In Gold Wellness. Website: https://weightingoldwellness.com/

Weight In Gold Wellness is an insurance-based obesity medicine and cardiometabolic health practice serving adults and children throughout Wisconsin. The practice's mission is Transforming Mind and Body to Find Health Beyond the Scale.