Trump administration nixes plan to cover anti-obesity drugs through Medicare

Trump administration excludes expensive obesity treatments from Medicare coverage, despite public support and potential long-term health benefits.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has decided not to cover expensive, high-demand obesity treatments under the federal government's Medicare program.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said late Friday (April 4, 2025) that it would not cover the medications under Medicare’s Part D prescription drug coverage. Medicare covers health care expenses mainly for people age 65 and older.

Mr. Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, proposed a rule in late November after Mr. Trump won re-election that would have extended coverage of drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy. The rule was not expected to be finalised until Mr. Trump took office.

Mr. Trump returned to office in January. The Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Thursday.

CMS did not offer an explanation Friday for its decision, and federal spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mr. Trump's Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been an outspoken opponent of the injectable drugs, which have exploded in popularity due to the potentially life-changing weight loss that some patients experience.

Polls show Americans favour having Medicaid and Medicare cover the costs. But many insurers, employers and other bill payers have been reluctant to pay for the drugs, which can be used by a wide swath of the population and can cost hundreds of dollars a month.