Biden Proposes $35B Expansion for Medicare, Medicaid to Cover Obesity Drugs Wegovy, Ozempic

Nov 30, 2024, 02:55 PM

The Biden administration has proposed a $35 billion expansion of Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, aiming to provide access to these medications for millions of obese Americans. If embraced by President-elect Donald Trump, this initiative could significantly impact obesity treatment in the U.S. Known as GLP-1 agonists, these drugs have shown potential in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, decreasing hospitalization needs, and aiding in weight loss. However, the financial implications are substantial, with estimates suggesting that if 50% of eligible adults with obesity used these drugs, the annual cost to the nation could reach $411 billion, potentially bankrupting Medicare. The proposal has sparked discussions on the efficacy, tolerability, and long-term implications of these drugs, as well as concerns about their off-label use for weight loss and the potential for shortages.