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In The News: Medi-Cal Ends Coverage for Some Anti-Obesity Medications, Leaving Patients Struggling to Afford Care

May 21, 2026
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Original article by Riley Nagel, 23ABC (KERO)
Published: April 9, 2026, at 4:00 AM at www.turnto23.com

Access to certain obesity treatment medications has changed for Medi-Cal patients following an update to coverage that took effect on January 1, 2026. Medi-Cal no longer covers some anti-obesity medications, and patients may now face out-of-pocket costs ranging from $200 to $1,000 per month.

Watch on turnto23.com

According to providers, this change affects patients who were previously using these medications to support weight management and related health conditions. The impact may be greater in communities where access to care is limited and the prevalence of obesity-related conditions is higher.

Clinica Sierra Vista providers report that some patients are no longer able to continue treatment due to cost. In some cases, patients who discontinued medication have experienced weight regain and a return of related health issues.

“That’s what we are seeing right now, is patients are regaining the weight and regaining the problems they had before.” — Dr. Hector Arreaza, obesity specialist at Clinica Sierra Vista.

Providers also note that these medications have been an effective treatment option for some patients. As Dr. Hector Arreaza shared,

“It’s really frustrating… to see this highly effective medication that we cannot prescribe because patients cannot pay for it,” said Dr. Hector Arreaza.

Read the full story at the 23 ABC (KERO)

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Call us today at (833) 678-2781 or visit ClinicaSierraVista.org to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

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Program Objectives

  • At least 80% of interns complete program/degree requirements within 13.5 months (150% of planned program length).
  • Of graduates who seek employment, at least 100% are employed in nutrition and dietetics or related fields within 12 months of graduation.
  • At least 80% of program graduates take the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists within 12 months of program completion.
  • The program’s one-year pass rate (graduates who pass the registration exam within one year of first attempt) on the CDR credentialing exam for dietitian nutritionists is at least 80%.
  • 80% of employers, who return surveys, rate graduates as “satisfactory” or “excellent” for ability to work effectively with multicultural populations from diverse backgrounds.
  • 90% of program graduates work as entry-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in community nutrition.
  • 90% of graduates work in Central Valley community programs for at least two years after graduation.

Do I Qualify for WIC?

WIC is a program that helps families with food and nutrition. Call us at (661) 862-5422 or send a message, and we’ll help you see if you qualify.

Here are some ways you might qualify:

  • You are pregnant
  • You are breastfeeding a baby who is less than one year old
  • You had a baby in the last six months
  • You have a child who is under the age of five
  • You experienced a loss of pregnancy or had a termination

You also need to think about your family’s income. Here are the monthly income limits for family sizes:

  • 1 Person: $2,413
  • 2 Persons: $3,261
  • 3 Persons: $4,109
  • 4 Persons: $4,957
  • 5 Persons: $5,805
  • More than 5 Persons: Add $848 for each additional member

This income limit is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, and these amounts will be effective from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Also, if you’re pregnant, the baby counts as part of your family size when figuring out if you qualify.

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