Tulane physician pushes for expanded access to anti-obesity medications in Louisiana
A Tulane University School of Medicine physician is helping shape state policy on obesity treatment as Louisiana lawmakers consider a bill that would expand Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications.
The Louisiana legislature is considering a bill that mandates Medicaid coverage for FDA-approved anti-obesity medications deemed medically necessary for eligible Medicaid patients. Dr. Gil Hebert, an assistant professor in the Section of General Internal Medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine, recently spoke with state senators about the benefits of expanding coverage.
“Obesity affects nearly 40% of adults in our state and disproportionately impacts individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Hebert, who specializes in obesity medicine. “Currently, GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual agonists are often only covered when patients meet strict criteria tied to advanced complications like heart attack, stroke, or obstructive sleep apnea. Restricting access until patients become sicker is not aligned with the current evidence.”
Studies show GLP-1 medications can help patients lose weight, reduce cardiovascular risk, improve obstructive sleep apnea, and reduce liver disease progression. Hebert says patients report improvements in joint pain, energy levels, and overall well-being.
“Perhaps most importantly, patients often describe feeling more in control and more hopeful,” said Hebert. “It allows them to participate more fully in their own health.”
Dr. Hebert provided written endorsement of Senate Bill 433 alongside The Obesity Society, the Obesity Action Coalition, the American Diabetes Association, and the Louisiana Obesity Society. He was also present at a recent hearing to answer clinical questions about obesity treatment and GLP-1–based therapies.
The bill passed the Senate this week and is now headed to the Louisiana House. While cost remains a consideration, Hebert says the state can’t afford not to consider this plan.
“There is growing evidence that suggests treating patients who meet criteria for these therapies can lead to meaningful downstream savings by preventing serious health complications,” said Hebert. “Obesity is one of the most impactful drivers of health outcomes in our state, and addressing it effectively has broad implications for both individual patients and the healthcare system as a whole.”
