Key takeaways

  • Medicare Parts A and B may cover intensive behavioral therapy and bariatric surgery for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher.
  • Weight loss programs like Weight Watchers, cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, and services from registered dietitians or nutritionists (unless you have diabetes, kidney disease, or a kidney transplant) are not covered by Medicare.
  • While Medicare Part D generally doesn’t cover weight loss drugs. However, some drugs may be covered if taken for the prevention of stroke or heart disease.

Obesity is a chronic health condition characterized by excess body fat that can harm health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines adult obesity as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) shares that the 2017 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data showed that 1 in 3 adults in the United States lived with obesity, and there’s a similar obesity rate among Medicare enrollees.

While Medicare generally doesn’t cover weight loss programs, it may provide coverage for certain other services or treatments for managing obesity.

Generally speaking, Medicare Part A covers any procedure you have while hospitalized, whereas Part B covers outpatient consultations and medical care.

Intensive behavioral therapy for obesity is one type of obesity service that Original Medicare (parts A and B) could cover.

To be eligible under Part B, your BMI must be 30 or higher, and you must receive treatment from your primary care doctor. This treatment may typically involve an initial screening, a dietary assessment, and guidance on diet and exercise.

The treatment may also include bariatric surgery. To be eligible under Part A, your BMI must be 35 or higher, and your medical history must reflect the ineffectiveness of previous nonsurgical treatments. Types of surgery, for example, include gastric bypass and lap band surgery.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are private plans that have to offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. Some plans may offer additional wellness benefits that parts A and B don’t cover.

These benefits may include gym memberships and meal delivery services. Many Part C plans cover the SilverSneakers program.

Medicare doesn’t cover weight loss programs like Weight Watchers (WW). It also doesn’t include weight loss procedures performed for cosmetic reasons, like liposuction.

Also, the benefits of intensive behavioral therapy don’t include the services of a registered dietitian or nutritionist in treating obesity. That’s because Original Medicare only covers the services of a nutritionist if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or have had a kidney transplant in the last 36 months.

Part D generally covers prescription medications, but it currently doesn’t cover weight loss drugs such as GLP-1 agonists specifically to treat obesity. It may, however, cover some drugs like Wegovy if you take them while living with obesity for the prevention of stroke or heart disease.

Coverage expansion proposal

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) had proposed an expansion of such drug coverage by 2026.

However, in April of 2025, the Trump administration and CMS announced that there was no current plan to implement changes for Part D coverage of anti-obesity medications. This means that in 2026, Medicare will still not cover medications like GLP-1s for weight loss.

For those services covered under Original Medicare, your cost can include your premiums, deductibles, and copays.

In 2025, after you meet the annual Part B deductible of $257, Part B can pay for 80% of any covered treatment or service.

Regarding Part A, most people don’t pay a premium, and you must meet a $1,676 deductible. Once you do, Part A can cover your hospital stay and any services needed. You incur an additional daily cost if you need to remain in the hospital beyond 60 days.

When it comes to Part C and D plans, private insurers manage these, which vary in cost depending on the plan and where you live.

According to the CMS, the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025. Also, the national Part D base beneficiary premium is $36.78 in 2025.

In 2026, the Part D base beneficiary premium is set to rise to $38.99.

Obesity is a long-term health issue marked by an excess of body fat. About 1 in 3 adults in the United States is affected by obesity, including older adults enrolled in Medicare.

While Medicare may cover specific obesity-related treatments like counseling and certain surgeries, it generally doesn’t cover weight loss programs aimed at overall health.

Additionally, it currently excludes obesity medications from coverage, except in certain cases when prescribed to treat additional health conditions.