Trump Announces Game-Changing Plan to Lower Costs and Expand Coverage for Obesity Treatments

Recently, President Donald Trump announced a new deal with drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. This plan aims to make popular obesity treatments, Zepbound and Wegovy, more affordable and accessible to Americans. These drugs, which belong to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, have become increasingly sought after but are often priced around $500 monthly, making them out of reach for many. Obesity affects over 100 million adults in the U.S., according to federal estimates.

Starting next year, Medicare will cover these drugs for eligible patients, bringing hope to millions. The news also includes plans for lower prices, with some pill versions costing $149 a month if approved.

Trump described the initiative as a way to “save lives” and improve health for many Americans. This announcement is part of a broader effort by his administration to tackle rising drug prices, especially as many voters express concern about their cost of living.

Obesity treatments like Zepbound and Wegovy help regulate hormones related to appetite, allowing users to lose significant weight—up to 22% in some cases. However, many patients are required to stay on these medications long-term to maintain their weight loss. For some individuals, the lack of insurance coverage has made these critical treatments unaffordable. Medicare currently only covers these drugs for specific conditions, not just weight loss.

In the announcement, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted the importance of broadening access. He stated that these drugs have primarily been available to wealthier individuals. Interestingly, a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that obesity rates are slightly higher among the middle class compared to both low- and high-income groups, emphasizing that the issue crosses economic boundaries.

Past efforts to reduce drug prices seemed to stall under previous administrations. The current approach appears aimed at ensuring that Americans aren’t solely funding pharmaceutical innovations. Coverage through Medicare will begin for those with severe obesity and related health issues, with a copay planned at $50. Lower prices for people without coverage will also roll out through the TrumpRx program, which will allow direct purchases from manufacturers.

Despite these promising developments, many doctors express concern about accessibility. Dr. Leslie Golden, an obesity medicine specialist, mentions that most of her 600 patients struggle to afford the treatments, even with insurance. Some go to great lengths, like taking extra jobs, to manage their costs. “Patients often ask, ‘What’s the plan if I can’t keep paying?’” she noted.

As the landscape of obesity treatment changes, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be. However, the push for affordability reflects a growing recognition of the need for better access to health solutions for all Americans.

For more information on obesity and related health statistics, you can visit the [CDC’s official site](https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html).

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Howard Lutnick, Donald Trump, Medication, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Novo Nordisk AS, Obesity, Joe Biden, Steven Cheung, Health care costs, General news, Health, Politics, United States government, Washington news, District of Columbia, Leslie Golden, AstraZeneca PLC, Business, Pfizer Inc.