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Opinion: Cutting Coverage of Diabetes and Weight Loss Meds Hits Black Californians Hardest

March 24, 2026

California is facing a growing obesity crisis, with approximately 27% of adults currently obese and projections suggesting this could exceed 40% by 2030. The issue disproportionately affects Black Californians, particularly Black women, with nearly 41% experiencing obesity or being overweight, leading to higher rates of related conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The state recently eliminated Medi-Cal coverage for GLP-1 obesity medications, a decision the author argues is fiscally shortsighted and harmful to communities that depend on the safety net program.

Who is affected

  • Black adults in California (38% experiencing obesity)
  • Black women in California specifically (41% experiencing obesity)
  • Approximately 11 million California adults living with obesity
  • Medi-Cal patients and beneficiaries
  • Black women who are uninsured or underinsured (35% depend on Medi-Cal)
  • Black households with limited access to preventive care and resources
  • California Black Health Network constituents

What action is being taken

  • The state of California has eliminated Medi-Cal coverage for GLP-1 obesity medications
  • The California Black Health Network (through its Executive Director) is advocating against this policy decision

Why it matters

  • This matters because obesity is a chronic disease crisis with severe health and economic consequences that disproportionately impacts Black Californians. Eliminating access to effective GLP-1 medications through Medi-Cal widens existing health disparities and represents a fiscally irresponsible approach, as preventing obesity-related complications through medication is more cost-effective than paying for emergency interventions, dialysis, amputations, heart attacks, and long-term disability care. The decision contradicts California's stated commitment to health equity and leaves vulnerable communities without access to evidence-based treatments that could prevent disease progression and improve quality of life.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Opinion: Cutting Coverage of Diabetes and Weight Loss Meds Hits Black Californians Hardest