Episode 130: Clinical Conversations: Access, Coverage & Health Equity in 2026

In this episode, Obesity Medicine Specialist and OMA Clinical Education Director Dr. Nicholas Pennings is joined by Dr. Tracy Norfleet and Dr. Alicia Shellly to discuss how the rapidly evolving landscape of access, insurance coverage, and health equity is shaping obesity care in 2026. Together, they explore the impact of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance policies on health equity and discuss strategies to ensure advances in obesity care benefit all patients. Episode Guests: Tracy Norfleet, MD, DABOM Alicia Shelly MD, DABOM Episode Host: Nicholas Pennings, DO, DABOM, MFOMA, FACOFP, FAAFP Chapters (00:00:01) - Obesity a Disease: Medical Coverage(00:01:35) - Two physicians discuss obesity and the treatment of obesity patients(00:02:33) - Obesity medication coverage in 2026(00:05:26) - Obesity Health Care Disparities(00:08:45) - How to address weight bias in healthcare(00:13:05) - Obesity Medications Coverage(00:21:51) - Obesity and medical documentation(00:25:14) - Obesity Medicine: Advocacy for Patients