Biden Pushes for Medicare, Medicaid Coverage of Weight-Loss Drugs

The Biden administration has proposed a rule to require Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight loss medications, reclassifying them as treatments for a chronic disease rather than just weight loss aids. This move aims to expand access to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans. The proposal, which could cost the federal government $36 billion over ten years, is subject to a 60-day public comment period and may face challenges from the incoming Trump administration. The initiative seeks to address racial and economic disparities in access to these medications.