Ozempic, Wegovy covered by Medicare and Medicaid under Biden admin proposal for anti-obesity GLP-1 drugs
The Biden administration is taking steps to expand coverage of anti-obesity drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy for individuals with Medicare and Medicaid. This new proposal from the Department of Health and Human Services aims to provide access to these medications for people with obesity as a treatment for the condition, not just for those with diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
According to a White House official, the current coverage for these drugs under Medicare is limited to individuals with specific health conditions, while some state Medicaid programs may or may not cover these medications for obesity. The new proposal would require both Medicare and Medicaid to cover these drugs for individuals with obesity, potentially benefiting an estimated 3.4 million Americans with Medicare and around 4 million adult Medicaid enrollees.
The White House emphasizes the importance of expanding access to these innovative medications, noting that obesity is widely recognized as a disease with significant health risks. By reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by as much as 95 percent for some enrollees, Medicare coverage could make a substantial impact on individuals seeking treatment for obesity.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are commonly prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes or obesity to help stabilize blood glucose levels and assist with weight loss. These medications work by slowing down digestion, allowing food to stay in the stomach longer and helping individuals feel full.
Obesity affects approximately 42 million Americans, increasing the risk of various health complications such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain cancers. By expanding coverage for anti-obesity medications, the Biden administration hopes to empower individuals and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their health without financial barriers.
Recent scientific advancements in the treatment of obesity have led to the development of life-saving drugs that can also prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. These medications have been shown to reduce deaths and illnesses from heart attacks and other cardiovascular outcomes by up to 20 percent.
In conclusion, the Biden administration’s proposal to expand coverage of anti-obesity drugs under Medicare and Medicaid represents a significant step towards addressing the obesity epidemic in the United States. By providing access to innovative medications and reducing financial burdens for individuals seeking treatment, this initiative has the potential to improve the health outcomes of millions of Americans.
This article was written by Greg Norman, a reporter at Fox News Digital, with contributions from Melissa Rudy.
