Federal Court Dismisses Maine Weight Loss Drug Lawsuits

Appeals court sides with insurance companies in cases alleging discrimination against those diagnosed with obesity

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:10pm

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A federal appeals court has agreed to dismiss lawsuits filed by two Maine residents who accused their health insurance providers of discrimination for not covering prescribed weight loss medication. The courts ruled that the insurance companies' exclusions of coverage for such drugs apply to all members, not just those diagnosed with obesity, and therefore do not constitute discrimination.

Why it matters

The rulings highlight the ongoing debate around insurance coverage for weight loss treatments, particularly for those diagnosed with obesity, which is considered a disability under the Affordable Care Act. The cases raise questions about how insurers must balance providing comprehensive coverage with managing costs.

The details

In 2024, Rebecca Holland sued Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield after her plan did not cover her prescription for appetite-suppressing drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy. Her lawyers argued this was discriminatory against those with obesity. Similarly, Jamie Whittemore sued Cigna in 2024 over a lack of coverage for weight loss medications. Both federal courts dismissed the lawsuits, ruling the insurers' exclusions applied broadly and were not specifically targeting those with obesity diagnoses.

  • In April 2025, a federal judge dismissed Rebecca Holland's lawsuit against Anthem.
  • In February 2026, the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of Jamie Whittemore's lawsuit against Cigna.

The players

Rebecca Holland

A Maine resident who sued her insurance provider, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, for not covering her prescription weight loss medication.

Jamie Whittemore

Another Maine resident who sued her insurance provider, Cigna, over a lack of coverage for weight loss drugs.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

The health insurance provider that was sued by Rebecca Holland for not covering her weight loss medication.

Cigna

The health insurance provider that was sued by Jamie Whittemore for not covering her weight loss medication.

Lance Walker

The Chief U.S. District Judge who dismissed the lawsuits filed by Rebecca Holland and Jamie Whittemore.

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What’s next

The courts' rulings are likely to set precedent for how insurance providers handle coverage of weight loss drugs, particularly for those diagnosed with obesity. It remains to be seen if the plaintiffs will pursue further appeals.

The takeaway

These cases highlight the complex balance insurers must strike between providing comprehensive coverage and managing costs, especially for treatments related to conditions like obesity that are considered disabilities under the law. The outcomes suggest courts may be hesitant to mandate insurers cover all weight loss medications, even for those medically diagnosed with obesity.