Trump announces Medicare coverage for obesity drugs
President Donald Trump said Nov. 6 the administration reached deals with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to expand Medicare coverage for GLP-1 obesity drugs Zepbound and Wegovy starting next year, while phasing in lower prices for some uninsured patients. The plan also sets a $149/month price for starting doses of new pill versions if approved, though officials cautioned consumer savings will vary by insurance and market competition.
đ Key Facts
- Medicare coverage for Zepbound and Wegovy for obesity to begin next year
- Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk agreed to reduce prices; uninsured price cuts will phase in
- Starting doses of pill versions to cost $149/month if FDA-approved
- Current higher-dose treatments cost about $500/month and are often not covered
- Announcement follows earlier administration pressure that led Pfizer and AstraZeneca to lower some Medicaid drug costs