Medicare Now Covers Weight Loss Drugs After Historic Policy Change
Medicare will now cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for obesity treatment. The historic policy change will make these medications accessible to millions of seniors who previously paid out-of-pocket.
Medicare weight loss drug coverage
Policy Change
CMS has announced Medicare Part D will cover FDA-approved weight loss medications starting in 2026. The change reverses a 2003 law that explicitly excluded obesity drugs from coverage.
Cost Impact
GLP-1 drugs cost $1,000+ monthly out-of-pocket. Medicare coverage will make them affordable for 15 million seniors with obesity. The policy is expected to cost Medicare $30 billion over five years.
Health Benefits
Studies show these medications reduce diabetes risk, heart disease, and other obesity-related conditions. Proponents argue coverage will reduce overall healthcare costs.
Medicare will now cover GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, making them accessible to millions of seniors with obesity and reducing out-of-pocket costs.
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