The Biden-Harris Administration has proposed a groundbreaking rule to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include anti-obesity medications. This initiative aims to enhance access to effective treatments for obesity, a condition affecting over 42% of Americans and contributing to numerous chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular ailments.
Under the proposed rule, Medicare would cover anti-obesity medications, potentially benefiting approximately 3.4 million beneficiaries by significantly reducing their out-of-pocket expenses. Similarly, around 4 million adult Medicaid enrollees would gain new access to these treatments, marking a substantial advancement in public health efforts to combat obesity.
This proposal aligns with the administration’s broader strategy to lower prescription drug costs and integrate nutrition and health services within federal programs. By recognizing obesity as a chronic disease and facilitating access to effective treatments, the administration aims to reduce healthcare disparities and promote healthier communities across the nation.