Summary
The Biden administration proposed requiring Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, reclassifying obesity as a chronic disease to expand access for millions.
This would reduce out-of-pocket costs, but federal spending could rise by $36 billion over a decade.
Critics, like Sen. Bernie Sanders, warn high drug prices could strain the system, while experts argue reduced obesity-related complications may lower long-term healthcare costs.
The plan faces a 60-day comment period, leaving its implementation uncertain under the incoming Trump administration.
Getting people who’s weight is their primary health issue into a better situation is good. It saves costs for them and their community.