Weight loss drugs could soon be covered by Medicare and Medicaid

You've seen the ads, people smiling, playing with their kids and grandkids

talking about a new lease on life thanks to weight loss drugs such as Ozempic

Wagovi, Manjaro and Zepbound. Come 2026, those expensive drugs known as GLP-1s could be covered

by Medicaid and by Medicare Part D starting the following year. The Washington Post reports the

Trump administration is preparing a five-year pilot program to test the policy. As it stands now

Medicare only covers GLP-1s for patients with type 2 diabetes. Some private insurers cover them for

people who are severely overweight, but access remains limited. GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone

that regulates blood sugar, helping users feel full longer and curb cravings. The results in

weight loss have been striking. But so is the price tag. Treatment can cost up to $7,000 a year

Nearly 100 million Americans meet the clinical definition of obesity Congress estimates Medicare coverage could cost billion between 2026 and 2034 Right now 13 states offer Medicaid coverage

for GLP-1 drugs to treat obesity. Within the Trump administration, opinions are mixed

TV's Dr. Oz, who now heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has praised

the drugs as a major breakthrough. But Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

who's leading the Make America Healthy Again campaign, says the drugs should not replace

diet and exercise. Pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wagovi, supports

the policy shift, saying coverage through government and commercial insurance plans is critical to affordable health care. Eli Lilly, maker of Manjaro and Zetbound

has not commented publicly. Details of the pilot project are expected to be finalized

in the coming months as the administration reviews costs and feedback. For more unbiased updates, download the Straight Arrow News app or go to san.com