South Carolina and 13 other states are covering GLP-1s, a class of weight loss drugs, for Medicaid beneficiaries, despite the federal government's decision not to finalize a rule that would have allowed millions to access the treatment.
Medicare to cover weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for $50 a month under a new pilot program, a significant shift for the healthcare system. The program aims to increase accessibility for older Americans struggling with obesity.
A new pilot program will allow some Medicare recipients to access GLP-1 weight loss medications for $50 a month, potentially helping millions of older adults who struggle with obesity. The program, set to launch on July 1, will cover three drugs and be available to those with Medicare Part D who meet certain conditions.
A new government program will make weight loss drugs available to adults 65 and older in Medicare for the first time next month, despite a law prohibiting Medicare from paying for obesity drugs. The program is supposed to be temporary, but may be difficult to end.
Medicare's new 'Bridge' program aims to make GLP-1 weight loss medications more affordable, but its complex eligibility criteria and administrative burdens may limit access for patients. The program, which offers discounted access to medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, requires extensive documentation and prior authorizations, which can delay treatment and increase staff workload.