The new rule would expand access to drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound for an additional 3.4 million Americans who use Medicare and another 4 million people enrolled in Medicaid.

Summary

The Biden administration proposed requiring Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, reclassifying obesity as a chronic disease to expand access for millions.

This would reduce out-of-pocket costs, but federal spending could rise by $36 billion over a decade.

Critics, like Sen. Bernie Sanders, warn high drug prices could strain the system, while experts argue reduced obesity-related complications may lower long-term healthcare costs.

The plan faces a 60-day comment period, leaving its implementation uncertain under the incoming Trump administration.

  • SattaRIP@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    10·
    16 days ago

    Lowering how much fucking sugar, corn syrup and palm oil go into all the food would be the proper thing to do. Can’t mess with the oligopolies though. Growth for growth’s sake, as always. This way the pharmaceutical oligopolies also get to expand.