Health and Fitness Health and Fitness
Wed, November 27, 2024
Tue, November 26, 2024

Biden proposes requiring Medicare, Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs


Published on 2024-11-26 11:11:12 - Phil Bruner, N@N
  Print publication without navigation

  • The new rule would expand access to the drugs for 3.4 million Americans who use Medicare and another 4 million people enrolled in Medicaid, a White House official said.

President Joe Biden has proposed a new rule that would mandate Medicare and Medicaid to cover anti-obesity medications, aiming to address the obesity epidemic in the U.S. This proposal comes in response to the increasing prevalence of obesity, which is linked to numerous health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Currently, Medicare does not cover weight-loss drugs, and Medicaid coverage varies by state. The initiative seeks to reduce healthcare costs and improve health outcomes by making these treatments more accessible. The proposal has sparked a debate about the cost-effectiveness of these drugs, their long-term benefits, and the potential strain on federal health programs. Critics argue about the financial implications, while supporters highlight the potential for significant health improvements and cost savings in the long run.

Read the Full Today Article at [ https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/biden-proposes-requiring-medicare-medicaid-cover-weight-loss-drugs-rcna181811 ]
Contributing Sources