The new rule would expand access to drugs such as Wegovy and Zepbound for an additional 3.4 million Americans who use Medicare and another 4 million people enrolled in Medicaid.

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.

    • pivot_root@lemmy.worldEnglish
      8·
      25 days ago

      From the ones I have talked with, the Trump voter mindset seems to be “Democrats don’t know the struggles of the real world” while Mr. Untouchable apparently does. Considering how deep into the partisan kool-aid they are, this is actually not surprising.

  • ThirdWorldOrder@lemm.eeEnglish
    20·
    25 days ago

    I can only speak for myself but I did about 3 months of this stuff and lost 60lbs. It works really fucking well. It did cost a fortune though. It would be great for people to have access to these drugs.

      • ThirdWorldOrder@lemm.eeEnglish
        3·
        25 days ago

        Well, your hunger does come back so you really have to have a plan that you’re going to stick with. The drugs just help you get to where you want to go.

        Most of my diet these days is steak/chicken/seafood and throw in some fruits and veggies. One of the best possible fruits is frozen grapes because they take a while to eat and are amazing.

        One method you could do is to use a low dose for maintenance purposes. Another method is to try to keep the weight off and if you find you’re struggling and gain 10-20 lbs then just do another cycle until you come back down and then start again.

        The specific version of this drug I took is called tirzepatide. I had no side effects at all and lost all appetite for junk and fast food. It’s crazy how well it worked for me personally. Been hanging out at 195lbs for a few months stabilized (I’m 6’2”). Would recommend to absolutely everyone that can get their hands on it.

    • Chef@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      3·
      25 days ago

      Couldn’t afford it after the Pharma coupon on their site expired.

      So I found it on the internet from gray market providers.

      Pharmacy = $900 per month

      Gray Market site = $100 per month

      Down 100+ pounds now.

      This shit NEEDS to be covered by insurance. It’s a life changer. Sickening that it’s like $1k in the USA and like $5 in the actual developed world.

      • ThirdWorldOrder@lemm.eeEnglish
        1·
        25 days ago

        Wow that’s a great price you are paying. My stuff was around $700/mo. I went through a pharma rep based out of Florida. Congratulations on 100lbs, that’s amazing. People who haven’t tried this stuff have no idea!

  • hypeerror@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    14·
    25 days ago

    Getting people who’s weight is their primary health issue into a better situation is good. It saves costs for them and their community.

  • SattaRIPEnglish
    10·
    25 days ago

    Lowering how much fucking sugar, corn syrup and palm oil go into all the food would be the proper thing to do. Can’t mess with the oligopolies though. Growth for growth’s sake, as always. This way the pharmaceutical oligopolies also get to expand.