A New Medicare Option for Weight Loss Drugs: What Older Americans Should Know

It may soon get easier for millions of people with Medicare to get discounted GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.

By: Jackie Fortiér

Outlets: KFF Health News

Published: May 6, 2026

Words: 1,260

Last Updated: 2 months, 3 weeks ago

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Starting in July, Medicare beneficiaries may be able to get a GLP-1 prescription for weight loss for $50 a month. It’s a notable shift for Medicare, which has long been barred from covering weight loss treatments.

The drugs, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, are effective but can be expensive without insurance coverage. They’re available in injection or pill form. Even with discounts, current cash prices typically range from $149 to $699 per month.

About half …

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