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.

  • ThirdWorldOrder@lemm.eeEnglish
    20·
    18 hours 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.

    • Chef@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      2·
      3 hours 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·
        34 minutes 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!

      • ThirdWorldOrder@lemm.eeEnglish
        3·
        4 hours 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.