STAT+: The loophole in Trump’s obesity drug deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk

STAT PlusPolitics The loophole in Trump’s obesity drug deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk Drugmakers offered GLP-1 discounts in exchange for more volume. They mostly got volume Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By John WilkersonJune 30, 2026 John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent, is the author of D.C. Diagnosis, a twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. John Wilkerson[email protected]John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. WASHINGTON — The Trump administration’s grand bargain with drugmakers on GLP-1s was based on a simple premise: lower prices in exchange for higher sales volume. Instead, the companies secured higher volume without the lower prices in some cases. When President Trump’s team of negotiators got Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to agree to a monthly $245 price in Medicare and Medicaid in November, that price was supposed to be for all GLP-1s, including those for obesity, which until then had not been covered by Medicare.Advertisement But that price was contingent on private Medicare insurers agreeing to cover the drugs for all uses, with a $50 copay. The administration did not publicly mention that condition, but Novo and Lilly recently confirmed it to STAT. 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 biotechnology, Donald Trump, Drug prices, Medicare, Medicare negotiation, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints John Wilkerson Washington Correspondent John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended The Readout June 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Investors double down on Bain-backed startup A STAT Investigation June 29, 2026 5 takeaways from STAT’s investigation into microhospital operator Nutex Health Advertisement The Readout June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: Talawar bets bispecific approach can shake up eczema market A STAT Investigation June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: The ERs that can turn patients away — and are reaping millions The Readout June 26, 2026 STAT Plus: Embryo editing advances reignite ethical debates Subscriber Picks