STAT+: Medicare still won’t say how much covering obesity drugs will cost

STAT PlusPolitics Medicare still won’t say how much covering obesity drugs will cost Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will likely get billions of dollars over the next 18 months Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Bob HermanJune 1, 2026 Bob Herman is the author of Health Care Inc., an award-winning weekly newsletter about the business of health and medicine. Bob Herman[email protected]Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. Medicare is advertising that adults 65 and older can get Wegovy and Zepbound, specifically for weight loss, starting in July for $50 a month. But the agency still is not sharing how much this will cost taxpayers, who will foot most of the bill. There is a lot at stake for the public and Medicare beneficiaries. The temporary coverage of obesity medications, which sidesteps federal law, will unleash millions of new patients and billions of dollars in revenue for the drugs’ manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk.Advertisement Medicare’s “GLP-1 Bridge” program starts July 1 and runs through Dec. 31, 2027. The Trump administration initially planned on testing coverage of the obesity drugs through Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, but the health insurers that run those plans balked at the high potential costs. Instead, the drugs will be covered solely by taxpayers and the beneficiaries who fill prescriptions. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In CMS, Drug prices, Eli Lilly, Medicare, Novo Nordisk, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Bob Herman Business of Health Care Reporter Bob covers the money in health care, focusing on health insurance and hospitals. His stories delve into Medicare Advantage, opaque prescription drug benefits, and how much executives actually make. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Business June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: No Surprises Act arbitration rule could worsen flood of provider disputes The Readout May 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Allogene CEO David Chang stepping down Advertisement Exclusive May 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Massachusetts sues UnitedHealth, alleging fraud in state’s Medicaid plans for seniors D.C. Diagnosis May 28, 2026 STAT Plus: Trump’s pharma deals get tested The Readout May 28, 2026 STAT Plus: Ahead of ASCO, all eyes on pancreatic cancer Subscriber Picks