iHeard iHeard Alert

Will Medicare and Medicaid cover weight loss drugs? 

On November 26, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed expanding Medicare Part D and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs. About 38% of St. Louis residents reported hearing about this proposal in the last 7 days, up from 20% the previous week. 

What’s included in the policy proposal? 

Currently, 14 state Medicaid programs cover weight loss prescriptions. The new proposal would require all states to provide coverage. Medicare Part D plans are presently prohibited from covering weight loss medications. The CMS proposed that Medicare and Medicaid cover drugs for obesity treatment by reinterpreting the statutory language that currently prohibits coverage of weight loss drugs. This proposed change reflects a new understanding of obesity as a chronic disease and weight loss drugs as treatments for chronic diseases, not just cosmetics purposes. 

Awareness of the policy proposal 

Among adults surveyed in St. Louis, Omaha, and Atlanta, 29% had heard about the proposed change in the last week. Older adults (60+) were more likely to hear about it than those under 60 (55% vs. 23%), as were Black adults (36%) compared to Whites (26%) and Hispanics (22%). 

When would the policy take effect? 

There is currently no timeline for implementing the policy. A 60-day public comment period recently closed with 4,000 comments submitted. Critics argue that weight loss drugs don’t address the root causes of obesity, such as lifestyle and environmental factors. Supporters highlight the benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced diabetes risk associated with weight loss.  

Help St. Louis residents stay informed 

Community organizations in St. Louis can share resources to help residents understand the proposed policy and express their opinions. 

About this week’s report 

This week’s alert is based on survey responses from 266 adult residents in St. Louis, MO (n = 169), Omaha, NE (n = 81), and Atlanta, GA (n = 16), conducted from Jan 25-27, 2025. Explore these data and more at iHeardSTL 


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On November 26, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed to expand Medicare Part D and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs. A change in coverage could put pressure on other insurance companies to expand access. 
 
At the moment, there is no set timeline for when the policy will take effect or how it will be implemented. What do you think about the proposal? 
 
#iHeardSTL #GLP1 #WeightLossDrugs #Medicare #Medicaid


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