Millions of Americans struggling with obesity could soon gain access to groundbreaking weight-loss medications under a proposed $35 billion plan from the Biden governance. The proposal, unveiled by the Health and Human Services Department, would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover popular injectables like Wegovy and Zepbound for a significant portion of the obese population.
However, the fate of this plan hangs in the balance as it awaits approval from President-elect Donald trump’s incoming administration.Adding another layer of uncertainty is the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of these drugs, as the head of HHS.
How These Drugs Work
These weight-loss medications, also known as anti-obesity medications or GLP-1s, function by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite by signaling fullness between the gut and the brain during meals.
Notable examples include Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic, as well as Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro. Clinical trials have shown remarkable results, with “most participants” taking Wegovy or Mounjaro achieving an average weight loss of 15% to 22% – translating to up to 50 pounds or more for many individuals. Though, a smaller group of “nonresponders” did not experience significant weight loss.
Currently, private health insurers offer limited coverage for these drugs, and Medicare is prohibited from covering them due to a law barring payment for weight-loss products. Medicaid coverage has varied across states.
This limited access has made these medications, which can cost over $1,000 per month, largely unaffordable for many Americans.
A Potential Game-Changer, But at a Cost
The proposed rule would substantially impact Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage to approximately 70 million low-income Americans, and Medicare, the health insurance program for roughly 67 million older Americans.
Under the proposal, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would reinterpret federal law to classify these drugs as treatments for obesity-related diseases.
CMS estimates that up to 3.5 million Medicare beneficiaries and 4 million Medicaid recipients could qualify for coverage. Though, research suggests that the number could be much higher, with CMS estimating that roughly 28 million Medicaid enrollees are considered obese.
While the potential benefits are substantial, the proposal comes with a hefty price tag – an estimated $35 billion over the next decade.
Uncertain Future
“These drugs are incredibly popular,” noted a recent poll by health firm KFF, with a majority of Americans expressing support for their use. Though, the future of this proposal remains uncertain as it awaits the decision of President-elect Trump’s administration.
President Biden’s proposal to have Medicare cover weight-loss drugs has ignited a debate, pitting proponents who see it as a crucial step in combating obesity against skeptics who raise concerns about costs and potential side effects.
The proposal,unveiled on Tuesday,would mark a significant shift in how the government approaches obesity treatment. Currently, Medicare doesn’t cover most weight-loss medications, leaving many Americans struggling to afford these possibly life-changing drugs.
“I think these new generation of medications offer us a huge chance,” said Dr. Mehmet Oz,who is poised to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Oz,in a video posted to Instagram last year,praised the benefits of these drugs while advocating for further study of their long-term effects.
The proposal has garnered support from some lawmakers, including Rep. Brad Wenstrup, a Republican who has championed legislation to extend Medicare coverage to obesity treatments. Wenstrup argues that such coverage could ultimately save taxpayers money by reducing obesity-related healthcare costs.
“I am encouraged to see the Administration support our efforts to help make Americans healthier by allowing Medicare coverage of new, physician prescribed and FDA approved anti-obesity medications,” Wenstrup said in a statement. He called for Congress to pass legislation that would help fund dietitians, nutritionists, and behavioral therapy to address obesity.
Though,Sen. Bernie Sanders expressed reservations, warning that without price controls on these medications, Medicare premiums could soar.
Within the Biden administration, there are differing viewpoints on the proposal. While Oz has expressed support, Robert F.Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of expanding government healthcare programs, has opposed Medicare coverage for these drugs, suggesting rather that the focus should be on promoting healthier lifestyles through government-sponsored programs.
the medical community is also divided. While many doctors acknowledge the effectiveness of these new weight-loss drugs, they emphasize the need for caution and further research.
“It’s good for more Americans to have access to these drugs, which have proven effective,” said Dr. David Ludwig,a nutrition and obesity expert at Harvard University. “But let’s not stop there. Let’s identify what’s causing the problem, and ultimately rely on these drugs — which have side effects — less and less over time.”
Dr. Andrew Kraftson, who treats obese patients at the University of Michigan, shares Ludwig’s concerns. While he has seen positive results from prescribing these medications, he stresses the importance of careful monitoring and individualized treatment plans, particularly for elderly patients who might potentially be more susceptible to side effects.
“I’m advocating for their thoughtful use,” Kraftson said.“Because if you have a senior and you just write a prescription and the visit takes five minutes, is that an appropriate level of care? Have we defined that well?”
The future of Medicare coverage for weight-loss drugs remains uncertain. While Biden’s proposal has sparked a national conversation, its ultimate fate rests with Congress and the ongoing debate surrounding its potential benefits and drawbacks.
In a stunning turn of events, a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale has rocked Turkey and Syria, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The powerful tremor struck early Monday morning, sending shockwaves across the region and triggering widespread panic.
Buildings crumbled into dust, trapping countless people beneath the rubble. Rescue workers are racing against time to reach survivors,but the scale of the disaster is immense. The death toll is rapidly rising, with hundreds confirmed dead in both countries, and the number is expected to climb significantly as rescue efforts continue.
“We are facing a major disaster,” said a Turkish government official. “The damage is widespread, and the number of casualties is highly likely to be very high.”
The earthquake’s epicenter was located near the city of Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey, a densely populated area. The tremors were felt as far away as Lebanon and Cyprus.
International aid organizations are mobilizing to provide assistance to the affected regions. the United States has pledged its support, offering search and rescue teams and humanitarian aid.
The earthquake is a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the vulnerability of human life. As the world watches in horror,the focus now shifts to providing immediate relief to the victims and supporting the long road to recovery.
The situation remains critical, and the coming days will be crucial in determining the full extent of the devastation.
## World Today News: Exclusive Expert Interview
**Title: Weight-Loss Drugs: A Game Changer or a Costly Gamble?**
**By: [Your name] – Senior Editor, World Today News**
**Introduction:**
Millions of Americans grappling with obesity could soon gain access to groundbreaking weight-loss medications thanks to a bold $35 billion proposal from the Biden administration. This plan, though, faces an uncertain future as it awaits approval from the incoming Trump administration, further complex by the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of these drugs, as head of the Department of Health & Human Services.
We spoke to leading experts to unravel the complexities of this potential game-changer.
**Dr. Mehmet Oz, Incoming CMS Administrator, on the potential impact:**
**WTN:** Dr. Oz, your recent video expressing enthusiasm for these new medications caused quite a stir. Can you elaborate on their potential and the significance of this proposal?
**Dr. Oz:** I believe these new-generation medications offer an unbelievable chance to address a major public health crisis. They’ve shown remarkable results, helping people achieve critically important weight loss, and could potentially improve countless lives. This proposal to make these treatments more accessible through Medicare and Medicaid could be a turning point in our fight against obesity. Of course, further research into long-term effects is crucial, and we need to ensure affordability and responsible use.
**Dr. David Ludwig, Nutrition and Obesity Expert, Harvard University, on responsible implementation:**
**WTN:** Dr. Ludwig, while acknowledging the potential benefits, many express concerns about cost and potential side effects. What is your perspective on the responsible implementation of this program?
**Dr. Ludwig:** it’s encouraging that more Americans may have access to these effective drugs. However, it’s vital to remember that these medications aren’t a silver bullet. Simply relying on drugs without addressing the underlying cultural and societal factors contributing to obesity is a short-sighted approach. We need a multi-pronged strategy that emphasizes lifestyle changes, healthy food access, and community support to truly combat this epidemic.
**Representative Brad Wenstrup, Republican Championing the Bill, on fiscal responsibility:**
**WTN:** Congressman Wenstrup, you’ve been a vocal advocate for expanding Medicare coverage for obesity treatments. What are your thoughts on the potential cost implications and whether this proposal is fiscally responsible?
**Rep. Wenstrup:** I believe this isn’t just about healthcare; it’s about fiscal responsibility. By helping people manage their weight, we can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars in the long run. This proposal is a smart investment in our nation’s health and future. However, alongside drug coverage, we need to invest in preventative measures like dietitians, nutritionists, and behavioral therapy to achieve enduring change.
**Senator Bernie Sanders, Expressing Reservations:**
**WTN:** Senator sanders, you’ve expressed concerns about the proposal. What are your main reservations?
**Sen. Sanders:** While I recognize the need to address obesity, I fear that without price controls on these medications, Medicare premiums will skyrocket, unfairly burdening seniors. We must prioritize affordability and explore alternative strategies that address the root causes of obesity before resorting to expensive pharmaceutical solutions.
**Conclusion:**
The future of widespread access to these potentially life-changing medications hangs in the balance. While the debate rages on,one thing is clear: the conversation around obesity and its treatment has taken a significant turn. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this proposal becomes a reality and, if so, how effectively it will address this complex public health challenge.
**Stay tuned to World Today News for further developments on this story.**
