The Trump administration has decided not to cover certain high-demand obesity medications under Medicare, impacting senior citizens. This follows a proposed rule from Joe Biden aimed at expanding such coverage. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services did not clarify their decision, it comes amid rising drug costs and mixed public support. Critics argue investing in obesity treatments could lead to long-term savings by preventing severe health issues. Currently, Medicare only covers such drugs for patients with specific conditions, limiting access to broader obesity treatment.
Polls show Americans favor having Medicaid and Medicare cover the costs. But many insurers, employers and other bill payers have been reluctant to pay for the drugs, which can be used by a wide swath of the population and can cost hundreds of dollars a month.
Proponents of the coverage have argued that treating obesity can actually reduce longer-term costs by cutting down on heart attacks and other expensive health complications that can arise from the disease.
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