A potential game-changer for weight loss medication is on the horizon, and it's got everyone talking. The White House is reportedly close to a deal with drug companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to reduce the price of their weight loss drugs, but there's a catch.
According to sources, the Trump administration is set to announce a deal that would lower the cost of GLP-1 medications, specifically Lilly's Zepbound and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, to a monthly price of $149. In exchange, Medicare would cover these drugs for certain beneficiaries. But here's where it gets controversial: the details are still murky.
It's unclear whether this reduced price will apply to private insurance plans or only to those paying out of pocket. The eligibility criteria for Medicare coverage is also unknown, leaving many questions unanswered. The plan's specifics could still undergo changes, and the sources who confirmed the deal requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
The Washington Post reported that an official announcement could come as early as Thursday, but a White House spokesperson has downplayed the speculation. In statements, spokespeople for Lilly and Novo Nordisk acknowledged discussions with the Trump administration but provided no further details.
If finalized, this deal would be a significant step in President Trump's efforts to lower prescription drug prices, bringing them more in line with other developed nations. Trump has pursued this initiative, known as the "most favored nation" drug pricing push, since his first term, and recently revived it through an executive order.
The administration has already reached agreements with Pfizer and AstraZeneca to lower costs for certain prescription drugs under Medicaid. Trump has made it clear that he's committed to tackling high drug prices, and this potential deal is a continuation of that mission.
In October, Trump himself hinted at a deal to lower the cost of weight loss drugs, stating that the current prices of over $1,000 per month would be reduced to around $150. Both Lilly and Novo Nordisk have already introduced lower-cost options for cash-paying customers in response to public scrutiny over the high prices.
Currently, Medicare covers Wegovy for patients at risk of heart disease and Zepbound for sleep apnea, but not specifically for weight loss. Ozempic, which shares the same active ingredient as Wegovy, is covered for diabetes. The Biden administration had proposed expanding coverage for GLP-1 drugs through Medicare and Medicaid, but the Trump administration rejected that plan.
Ozempic and Wegovy are also part of the next round of Medicare drug price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by former President Biden in 2022. The Trump administration was initially expected to finalize new prices for 15 drugs, including the GLP-1s, by November 1st. However, Trump officials have shown less enthusiasm for these negotiations, instead favoring executive orders and voluntary pricing agreements with drugmakers. The administration is now expected to unveil the new prices by November 30th.
This potential deal has sparked a lot of interest and debate. While some praise the effort to make weight loss drugs more affordable, others question the limitations of Medicare coverage and the potential impact on private insurance plans. It's a complex issue with no easy answers, and it leaves us with a thought-provoking question: In the pursuit of making healthcare more accessible, where do we draw the line between government intervention and market forces?
