Medication Diet for Medicare? Trump Advisors Disagree on Wegovy and Ozempic

The discussion about the future coverage of weight-loss pills by Medicare is stirring emotions at the highest levels of the Trump administration. While some of Trump's close confidants and appointed health experts recognize the potential of the drugs, there are also skeptical voices. Elon Musk is enthusiastic about the medications that have helped him lose weight. In contrast, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calls the preparations a fraud. And Dr. Mehmet Oz? He has extensively promoted the medications on his TV show. The tensions within the future administration raise questions about whether Medicare will be able to cover the costs of these drugs. This decision could have far-reaching effects on the healthcare system and millions of patients, and significantly strain the state budget. Currently, medications for the treatment of obesity are excluded for Medicare patients, even if they are approved for treating chronic conditions like diabetes. A draft proposed by the Biden administration could change this and approve the preparations for the treatment of obesity. This could have massive effects on coverage by state Medicaid programs, especially since the price of the medications is in the four-digit range per month. Whether the Trump administration will follow the Biden administration's recommendation remains to be seen. The differing views of their top representatives pose a significant hurdle. While Kennedy, who is slated for the health department, questions the financial burden and benefits of the drugs, Oz, who is to take over the leadership of Medicare and Medicaid services, has expressed a positive view of their potential. The coming weeks are likely to show which perspective will prevail, while American citizens and markets await clarity on future policies and potential changes in healthcare provision.