Donald Trump has announced a plan to reduce the cost of certain weight loss drugs and extend access to those on public health insurance. Injectable versions of GLP-1s from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will see reduced prices and broader coverage, the Trump administration said.
Oral versions of GLP-1s, not yet on the market but expected to be approved soon, will be available at $150 per month for starting doses under the agreement. The average price for injectables will be about $350, falling to $245 per month over two years. For Medicare patients, the price will be $245, with a $50 co-pay. State Medicaid programmes can also access these prices if they opt in.
The drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, currently cost upwards of $1,000 per month, though direct purchase discounts bring costs down. Insurance coverage is often limited, with many insurers not covering the drugs solely for obesity.
For the first time, Medicare will cover Wegovy and Zepbound for patients with obesity or other comorbidities. Previously, only those with diabetes or conditions such as heart disease or sleep apnea qualified. Dr Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said the plan focuses on 'democratizing access' and is projected to be budget-neutral within two years due to savings from obesity-related issues.
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr projected the American public would collectively lose 125 million pounds by next year. Trump touted the plan as a contrast to the Biden administration, which also sought to expand coverage for weight-loss drugs through Medicaid and Medicare.
