Official statements from Congress or relevant government agencies

Biden Proposes Medicare, Medicaid Cover Costly Weight-Loss Drugs for 7.4M

Nov 26, 2024, 12:00 PM

The Biden administration has proposed a new rule that would expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for costly weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, potentially benefiting over 7.4 million enrollees. This initiative aims to make these medications accessible to millions of obese Americans, reducing out-of-pocket expenses by up to 95%. The proposed rule would cover drugs from companies such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The move is part of a broader effort to address obesity as a public health issue, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating that expanding Medicare coverage for these drugs would cost $35 billion over nine years.