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Biden proposes weight loss drug coverage for people on Medicare and Medicaid

www.nbcnews.com Biden proposes weight loss drug coverage for people on Medicare and Medicaid

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.

Biden proposes weight loss drug coverage for people on Medicare and 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.

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