The Biden administration has introduced a groundbreaking proposal to provide “miracle” weight-loss drugs free for low-income individuals and retirees, aiming to address the ongoing obesity crisis in the United States. This initiative would extend coverage for high-priced medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound through Medicaid and Medicare, which are federal programs designed for the economically disadvantaged and senior citizens.
The current definition of obesity encompasses a staggering 40% of the American population, with the intent of the proposal being to assist this vast demographic in overcoming the health challenges associated with obesity. Currently, coverage for these drugs is only granted to individuals suffering from obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers.
Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, emphasized the importance of this reform, declaring it a “game changer” in recognizing the severity of obesity as a key factor harming American health and the economy.
This proposed move also sets the stage for an inevitable confrontation with the incoming Trump administration, which will be tasked with deciding on the implementation of the proposal shortly after taking office. Trump’s commitment to cutting the federal budget raises questions about the future of this initiative.
The plan could ignite contention, particularly between two significant appointees nominated by Trump: Robert F Kennedy Jr., who advocates for healthier living and has criticized the reliance on pharmaceutical solutions for obesity, and Mehmet Oz, the well-known physician who supports accessibility to weight-loss medications.
Kennedy, while discussing the proposal, argued that providing access to these drugs could cost upwards of $3 trillion annually. He believes that a fraction of that budget could instead provide nutritious meals to the population, tackling obesity and diabetes more effectively.
Contrastingly, Oz has expressed positive sentiments towards drugs like Ozempic, emphasizing their efficacy in assisting those aiming to achieve substantial weight loss.
Estimations suggest that around 3.4 million individuals on Medicare and 4 million on Medicaid would become eligible under the new guidelines, though projections indicate that as many as 28 million recipients may be affected according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Congressional Budget Office estimates an increase in federal spending by $35 billion from 2026 to 2034 if this initiative proceeds.
The potential for these drugs to facilitate a loss of 15% to 25% of body weight shows promising results, but the high cost—approximately $1,000 per month for a supply—poses accessibility challenges for many.
Source: The Guardian
