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.
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Business & Economy
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
đ Contextual Background
- Medicare covers GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs when prescribed for conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but (as of November 2025) generally did not cover them when prescribed solely for weight loss.
- Medicare's annual open enrollment period runs each year from October 15 through December 7; people who enroll by December 7 have Medicare Advantage coverage effective January 1 of the following year.