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Medicare, Medicaid plans to experiment with covering weight loss drugs: Report
UNITED STATES, AUG 1 – Medicare and Medicaid may begin voluntary coverage of GLP-1 weight loss drugs to improve access amid high costs, with 13 states already covering them, officials say.
- The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid proposed that Medicaid and Medicare Part D plans could soon choose to cover GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, starting in April 2026 for Medicaid and January 2027 for Medicare.
- In recent years, a 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that more than half of adults said the cost made it difficult to afford, as millions of Americans used GLP-1 medications for weight loss at prices up to $1,200.
- Projected at $35 billion from 2026 to 2034, experts from the Kaiser Family Foundation argue Medicare coverage could benchmark private insurance companies and lead to savings.
- Amid internal policy debates, thirteen state Medicaid programs have already chosen to cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, while the Trump administration may be divided on expanding coverage.
- A spokesperson said all drug coverages undergo a cost-benefit review, and Novo Nordisk told the Post they believe comprehensive coverage is critical to affordable health care.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Weight loss syringes such as Ozempic are effective, but expensive. In the US, they could be refunded in the future to reduce their weight. The government wants to launch a pilot project.
Weight-loss drugs may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid under experimental program
Costly GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound could be covered under the new plan. Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source The post Weight-loss drugs may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid under experimental program appeared first on RocketNews.
Fast Company
BizTocA Medicare experiment could change who gets Ozempic
If a new experiment pans out, Medicaid and Medicare could begin covering the costly weight-loss drugs that price out many Americans who might want to try them. After killing a Biden-era plan with the same goal, the Trump administration is working on a five-year pilot program that would allow state Medicaid programs and Medicare’s prescription plan to opt into covering drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro for “weight management,” Th…
Weight Loss Drugs May Soon Fall Under Medicare/Medicaid
The Trump administration is preparing a five-year test that could allow some Medicare and Medicaid patients to access high-profile weight loss drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. The plan, which would let state Medicaid programs and Medicare Part D insurers choose to cover these drugs for obesity treatment, represents...
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