$140 Billion Price Tag for Biden Plan to Cover Anti-Obesity Drugs

Many of the popular anti-obesity drugs you see in those commercials on TV such as Wegovy, Ozempic, and others are often not covered by insurance, unless they're being used to treat a person who has diabetes or other medical conditions.

  Now, the Federal government might want to cover them

There won't be enough time for the Biden Administration to fulfill their proposal, it would be up to the Trump Administration to 'finish' the process, but Biden announced this week he wants Medicare and Medicaid to cover many of these popular meds--regardless of why they're being used.

According to The Center Square, the private Penn-Wharton Budget Model, the price tag could be as high as $140 billion dollars. Penn-Wharton is a non-partisan group that researches the costs of government proposals and plans.

The plan would cover these popular drugs for at least 7.4 million Americans who are enrolled in the two programs, Medicare provides help for those 65 and older, while Medicaid helps lower-income persons.

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Because of the 60-day comment period required for the proposal, which means if implemented, it would not happen before Biden leaves office. Many of these weight loss drugs, which began life as diabetes treatments, can cost upwards of $1,000 a month if not covered by insurance. It would be up to the Trump Administration to complete the process, if they decide to continue it.

The Center Square did not indicate if the Trump Administration commented on this proposal.