Wegobee and Ozempic, called ‘miracle drugs’
Changes and Benefits in the Federal Health Insurance System
[사진 : ABC7 캡쳐]
Millions of obese people have the possibility to purchase popular and expensive obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic at lower prices through federal health care coverage (Medicare) and medical assistance (Medicaid).
The Biden administration plans to prepare new regulations and implement them from January 20, 2025, but implementation is only possible if the Donald Trump administration does not oppose them. The rule could impose significant costs on the federal health care system, and implementation may be difficult due to powerful lobbying from the pharmaceutical industry.
In particular, Robert Kennedy Jr., who was nominated as the Trump administration’s next Secretary of Health and Human Services, has opposed weight loss drugs, so it is highly likely that he will invalidate the Biden administration’s regulations.
Wegobee and Ozempic are called ‘miracle drugs’ due to their great weight loss effect, and are drugs that can help you lose 15-25% of your body weight with a weekly injection. However, the cost of this drug is high, with Wegobi costing $1,300 per month and Zebbound costing $1,000 per month.
Currently, most private insurance companies do not cover Wegobee and Ozempic, and the federal health insurance system also excludes weight loss drugs from coverage under past regulations. However, it is expected that this new regulation can be of real help to people suffering from obesity.
When the new regulations go into effect, federal health insurance and medical assistance recipients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or who are suffering from serious health problems (diabetes, heart disease, etc.) due to obesity will be able to receive insurance coverage for obesity treatment.
According to estimates by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, about 3.5 million Medicare recipients and 4 million Medicaid recipients are expected to receive benefits. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 28 million Medicaid recipients are obese, so there is a possibility that there are more people eligible for benefits.
Medicare provides medical insurance to 65 million people over 65 years old and with certain diseases in the United States, with an annual budget of $900 billion, while Medicaid provides medical support to approximately 90 million low-income people and the disabled, with an annual budget of $650 billion. of budget is being consumed.
In recent years, the obesity treatment market has grown significantly as the FDA approved injectable obesity treatments such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegobee and Eli Lilly’s Zebbound. These drugs provide a weight loss effect by suppressing appetite by mimicking the hormones that induce satiety.
However, high prices and limited supply remain major problems. If this regulation is implemented, it will be a great benefit to obese patients, but controversy over the financial burden is inevitable as it is expected that about $35 billion in federal taxes will be used as subsidies over 10 years.
Health and Welfare Secretary Javier Becerra said, “This measure will be a big turning point for people suffering from obesity,” and emphasized that many people will be able to gain new hope through this benefit.
Here are two PAA-related questions based on the provided text:
## World Today News Interview: “Miracle Drugs” and the Future of Obesity Treatment
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Emily Carter:** Endocrinologist specializing in obesity treatment and metabolic disorders.
* **Mr. Michael Jones:** Healthcare Policy Analyst specializing in public health insurance programs.
**Moderator:** Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing a groundbreaking development concerning access to obesity treatments like Wegovy and Ozempic. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a leading endocrinologist, and Mr. Michael Jones, a healthcare policy expert.
**Section 1: The Impact of ”Miracle Drugs”**
**Moderator:** Dr. Carter, Wegovy and Ozempic are generating a tremendous amount of buzz for their weight-loss effectiveness. What are your thoughts on these “miracle drugs” and their potential impact on the lives of people struggling with obesity?
**Dr. Carter:**
* (Discuss the efficacy of Wegovy and Ozempic, focusing on their mechanisms and proven weight loss results.)
* (Highlight the positive impact on patients’ physical and mental health, beyond just weight loss.)
* (Acknowledge potential side effects and emphasize the importance of personalized treatment under medical supervision.)
**Moderator:** Mr. Jones, from a policy perspective, what are the implications of making these expensive treatments more accessible through federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid?
**Mr. Jones:**
* (Discuss the potential benefit of increased access to treatment for millions of Americans struggling with obesity-related health issues.)
* (Address the concerns surrounding the significant cost to taxpayers and the potential strain on already burdened federal health insurance programs.)
* (Analyze the long-term financial implications and potential cost-effectiveness of this policy change.)
**Section 2: Navigating Political and Ethical Considerations**
**Moderator:** We’ve seen the Trump administration potentially opposing this move, particularly with Robert Kennedy Jr.’s stance on weight loss drugs. Dr. Carter, how might this political opposition impact access to these treatments and the lives of patients who need them?
**Dr. Carter:**
* (Discuss the ethical considerations of limiting access to potentially life-changing treatments based on political ideology.)
* (Highlight the urgent need to prioritize patient well-being over political agendas.)
* (Emphasize the importance of evidence-based decision-making in healthcare policy.)
**Moderator:** Mr. Jones, how do you see this debate playing out in the political landscape? What are the potential consequences of delaying or blocking this policy change?
**Mr. Jones:**
* (Analyze the political motivations and potential lobbying efforts influencing the debate surrounding these treatments.)
* (Discuss the potential for legal challenges and delays in implementation.)
* (Highlight the importance of public awareness and advocacy in ensuring access to necessary healthcare.)
**Section 3: Looking Ahead: The Future of Obesity Treatment**
**Moderator:** Looking forward, Dr. Carter, what does the future hold for obesity treatment? How might this policy change impact research and development in this field?
**Dr. Carter:**
* (Discuss potential advancements in obesity therapies and personalized medicine.)
* (Highlight the importance of addressing the underlying causes of obesity, such as social determinants of health.)
* (Emphasize the need for continued research and innovation to provide effective and accessible treatments for everyone.)
**Moderator:** Mr. Jones, what are your hopes for the future of healthcare policy when it comes to addressing obesity and other chronic health conditions?
**Mr. Jones:**
* (Discuss the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses both individual and systemic factors.)
* (Advocate for policies that promote prevention, early intervention, and access to affordable, quality healthcare for all.)
* (Emphasis the need for bipartisan collaboration and evidence-based decision-making to create a sustainable and equitable healthcare system.)
**Moderator:** Thank you, Dr. Carter and Mr. Jones, for this insightful discussion. The future of obesity treatment is at a critical crossroads. This policy change has the potential to significantly impact millions of lives, but it also raises important questions about access, affordability, and the role of government in healthcare.
We encourage our viewers to stay informed and engage in the conversation around this important issue.
