A recent deal will allow Medicare to cover weight loss drugs, but it comes with a hefty price tag. The prices for drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy will drop significantly when bought through Medicare and Medicaid. Ozempic will cost $350 per month instead of $1, 000, and Wegovy will be $350 instead of $1, 350. Other drugs will be even cheaper, around $145 per month. This change is set to start in January 2026.

Until now, Medicare couldn't cover drugs just for weight loss. The rules have been changing because these drugs can also help with heart disease. But covering weight loss alone has been slow due to old rules and worries about costs.

The deal will cost the government a lot of money. The Congressional Budget Office says it could add $35 billion to federal spending from 2026 to 2034. Each person using these drugs could cost around $5, 600 in 2026. The national debt is already over $38 trillion, and this deal might make it worse.


    # Medicare to Cover Weight Loss Drugs with Significant Price Drops

    ## **Key Details**

    - **Effective Date:** January 2026
    - **Drugs Covered:** Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weight loss medications
    - **Price Reductions:**
        - **Ozempic:** $350/month (down from $1,000)
        - **Wegovy:** $350/month (down from $1,350)
        - **Other Drugs:** Around $145/month

    ## **Background**

    Until recently, Medicare could not cover drugs solely for weight loss. The rules have been evolving as these drugs also show benefits for heart disease. However, covering weight loss alone has been slow due to outdated regulations and cost concerns.

    ## **Financial Impact**

    - **Government Cost:** The deal is expected to add **$35 billion** to federal spending from 2026 to 2034.
    - **Cost per Person:** Around **$5,600** in 2026.
    - **National Debt:** Already over **$38 trillion**, this deal could further increase the debt.

    

Medicare to Cover Weight Loss Drugs: A $35 Billion Deal

Key Details

Background

Financial Impact

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