Medicare to Cover Wegovy with a Catch for Seniors

The announcement that Medicare will cover Wegovy, a medication for weight loss, comes with a catch for seniors over 65. The coverage will only apply if patients have potentially serious heart problems. Wegovy, a brand name for Novo Nordisk’s anti-obesity medication semaglutide, has drawn attention for its weight loss benefits, but its high cost has been a barrier for many Americans. Although the medication was found to reduce heart attacks and strokes and received FDA approval for that purpose, Medicare’s coverage condition raises concerns about accessibility. The new Inflation Reduction Act, which includes provisions to help Medicare beneficiaries, may alleviate drug costs for some seniors, but the high drug prices in the U.S. remain a significant issue. The debate over Medicare coverage for anti-obesity drugs like Wegovy continues, with questions about the offset of government expenses by potential reductions in treating obesity. Novo Nordisk emphasizes the need for broader coverage of obesity medicines and collaboration across the healthcare system to ensure access for patients.