Breaking: Medicare proposes expanded coverage of weight loss drugs

The Biden administration is proposing an expansion of how Medicare and Medicaid cover the blockbuster weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound

Log In    Subscribe BREAKING NEWS   Medicare proposes big expansion of coverage of weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound By Rachel Cohrs Zhang Adobe WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is proposing a major expansion of how Medicare and Medicaid cover the blockbuster weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound, the White House announced Tuesday.    Medicare currently covers the medications made by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to treat diabetes and heart disease, but not for obesity alone because it's prohibited by law from doing so. Given the price tag, a bill in Congress to extend coverage has stalled for years.   The White House estimates the new proposal would provide coverage to an estimated 3.4 million older adults in the Medicare program, and 4 million people in Medicaid. The proposal would go into effect in 2026, but it's unclear whether the incoming Trump administration would support such a measure, or would work to roll it back.  READ MORE Sign up for D.C. Diagnosis The nation — and its health care decisions — are entering an unprecedented political era. Cut through the noise with our twice-weekly newsletter covering politics and policy. Learn more. In Case You Missed It 1   Inside the telehealth-fueled GLP-1 alternative market By Alex Hogan 2   In the MAHA-verse, ex-Bernie die-hards and conservative moms find a political home By Eric Boodman and Isabella Cueto 3   Exclusive: Trump's pick to run FDA is top exec of company that provides compounded weight-loss drugs By John Wilkerson, Rachel Cohrs Zhang, and Katie Palmer 4   Medicare already covers GLP-1s for half of seniors with obesity, new report finds By John Wilkerson Enjoy 50% off 12 months of STAT+! Get in-depth investigative pieces, groundbreaking storytelling, subscriber-only newsletters, industry event discounts, and more Learn more STAT, 1 Exchange Place, Boston, MA ©2024, All Rights Reserved. I no longer wish to receive STAT emails Update Newsletter Preferences • Contact Us • Advertise with Us