The Biden Administration will announce this Tuesday a proposal to significantly expand coverage of anti-obesity drugs for Americans with Medicare and Medicaid.
In a statement, the Administration indicated that “an estimated 42% of the US population suffers from obesity, which is now widely recognized as a chronic disease, with an increased risk of mortality from related causes such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and some types of cancer, among others.
The announcement indicated that in recent years there have been important scientific advances in the treatment of obesity, with the manufacture of new life-saving drugs, such as GLP-1 inhibitors approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). English), under well-known brands such as Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy. “But for too many Americans, these critical treatments are too expensive and therefore out of reach,” the text stressed.
Right now, Medicare only covers these medications for people who are obese or overweight and diagnosed with diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Some state Medicaid programs choose to cover these medications only for obesity, but most do not. The result is that millions of Americans who could benefit Of these medications there is no coverage to pay for those medications, and without it, these medications can cost up to $1,000 a month.
“It is unacceptable that Americans — especially those who do not have insurance coverage for these medicines — are forced to pay so much more for life-saving medications,” the ad stated.
Medicare coverage would reduce out-of-pocket costs for these medications by up to 95% for some enrollees, and approximately 4 million adults enrolled in Medicaid could also have access to these medications.
“This proposal would allow Americans and their doctors to determine the best path forward so they can live healthier lives, without worrying about their ability to pay for these medications out of pocket, and ultimately reduce our healthcare costs.” nation,” the text stated.
The Government announcement stressed that this Tuesday’s announcement is part of President Biden’s work to reduce health costs and prescription drugs for all Americans.
“Since taking office, the president has built, strengthened and protected Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), signing laws such as the American Rescue Plan Act and the Reducing Inflation Act, to reduce prescription drug costs and health insurance premiums,” the text stated.
