In 2010 I made the life changing decision to undergo bariatric surgery. It was not an easy choice, and it certainly was not a shortcut. It was a lifeline. That journey opened my eyes to just how important access to the right medical tools and support can be when someone is trying to reclaim their health, their dignity and their future.
Today, GLP-1 medications used to treat obesity and diabetes are one of those tools. And right now, access to them is at risk for the very communities that need them the most.
California’s decision to remove coverage for GLP-1 medications through Medi-Cal beginning Jan. 1 sends a troubling message to Black, Latino and low-income California communities that have historically been underserved and overlooked when it comes to consistent, quality care. The message is that their health is viewed as a cost to cut instead of an investment worth protecting…