Medicare to Cover Wegovy, Raising Premium Concerns

The decision to include the weight-loss drug in Medicare Part D could lead to increased premiums for enrollees.

Medicare's recent decision to cover the weight-loss drug Wegovy for patients with heart disease risk could lead to a potential increase in monthly premiums for its 65 million enrollees.
Wegovy, costing around $1,300 a month, is now covered under Medicare Part D, with some private insurance companies already announcing their plans to include it for eligible patients.
Experts warn that the premium hike, while not immediate, could occur as early as 2025, primarily due to the high cost of Wegovy and the number of beneficiaries who may qualify for it.
The coverage of Wegovy by Medicare is seen as a significant step in addressing obesity and heart disease, but it also raises concerns about the financial implications for the program and its enrollees.
Negotiations and potential rebates may help mitigate some costs, but the high demand and price of Wegovy pose challenges to Medicare's budget and enrollees' out-of-pocket expenses.