The Rhode Island General Assembly’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027) budget adopted a policy change that limits Medicaid coverage of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based medications to only individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Beginning October 1, 2026, coverage for GLP-1-based medications prescribed for obesity or weight management will be eliminated.
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) remains concerned that restricting evidence-based obesity treatment will result to poorer health and higher medical costs for individuals living with obesity in the state. Obesity costs Rhode Island’s economy an estimated $1.7 billion annually.
What this means for some people living with obesity:
- Medicaid beneficiaries using GLP-1-based medications for obesity treatment will lose coverage in October.
- Individuals with obesity and related health risks, but without type 2 diabetes, could face significant barriers to treatment.
In Rhode Island, approximately 31% of the adult population are living with obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The obesity rate for adults ages 25 and older is projected to reach 56% for women and 58% for men by 2050.
Additionally, by eliminating coverage of GLP-1-based medications to treat obesity, the state’s Medicaid program is estimated to have increases in related chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart failure, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, stroke, and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), according to new research published in Diabetes, Obesity and CardioMetabolic CARE. These increases could be avoided by providing access to evidence-based obesity treatment.
The ADA remains committed to improving access to these life-sustaining treatments for all people living with obesity in Rhode Island.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure diabetes—and we’re not stopping. There are over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
