MAHA: Big Change by CMS Over GLP-1 Drugs Could Affect Almost 4 Million Americans on Medicare
There has been something of a positive shakeup for the American people under the second Trump administration, when it comes to health policies, in large part spearheaded by Health and Human Services (HHS) Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) administrator Mehmet Oz, with what’s known as MAHA (Make America Healthy Again). Wednesday saw just the latest of those shakeups with an announcement about weight loss drugs and Medicare.
Some of the ideas have been creative, including an innovative ad starring former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson, on the dangers of ultra processed foods and their effect on mental health, as I wrote in Feb. Then just this week, there was another reminder, courtesy of Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ-07).
READ MORE: Mike Tyson Takes a Bite Out of Processed Junk in Poignant New Clip Pushing RFK Jr.’s ‘Eat Real Food’
Dr. Oz shared the announcement on Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, in a clip shared on X on Wednesday:
He said: “Starting July 1, Medicare is offering coverage for certain GLP-1 medicines for $50 monthly co-payment,” and cautioned that not everyone on Medicare would be eligible. Oz laid out the three criteria that limit who can participate:
https://x.com/DrOzCMS/status/2072323145864794192
- Americans with Medicare Part D coverage
- You aren’t already getting GLP-1s covered by your Medicare plan as part of treatment
- You meet additional clinical requirements.
He finished up by directing people to talk to their doctors, and visit Medicare.gov/GLP1Bridge to see it they are eligible.
A CNN news segment on Wednesday went more in depth on the rules, including the clinical requirements, for people to take part in the voluntary program:
The CNN senior writer/contributor said that those eligible Medicare enrollees would need to:
- Have a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or over
- Or if their BMI is 27-30, it would require the presence of another medical condition, like a previous heart attack or uncontrolled high blood pressure, among other conditions
She mentioned that a new analysis by KFF, a health policy research group, claimed an estimated 4 (3.8) million people might be affected by this change.
The cash-pay cost, according to the reporter, normally runs between $149-$449. The program would include several different medications, including Wegovy tablets or injections, Foundayo tablets, or treatment with Zepbound Quikpens.
This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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