Medicare & weight loss meds?

[Sage_1988]

Gilbert (Nov. 7, 2025). What you need to know about Medicare coverage for weight-loss drugs - Experts are talking about President Trump’s deal with pharmaceutical giants as a game changer, but the fine print is still unclear. Washington Post, free access here: https://wapo.st/3WGwP87

 

[Sage_1988]

I'm no fan of Trump, but this looks promising. The government seems to be nudging big pharma to cut prices, probably because more people will be using these meds. Drug companies still rake in the dough, as they should since they took a risk on these drugs, but hopefully, they'll be more affordable.

 

[TrimQuest]

Who's Gilbert?

 

[Sage_1988]

Gilbert is the author's last name.

 

[On_Deck]

The link seems to be behind a paywall.

 

[Sage_1988]

It's not completely paywalled, but it does ask you to create a free account. I think it then spams you to subscribe. I made a .pdf: Gilbert2.pdf

 

[E_Grace_H]

Wow, reading this makes me grateful for my Canadian healthcare. We pay a fraction of what you guys in the US do for these meds.

 

[Sub-Q_Sammy]

I'm seeing similar issues with my insurance suddenly wanting prior auths *after* months of coverage. They're making it impossible to stay on my current dosage!

Gilbert (Nov. 7, 2025). What you need to know about Medicare coverage for weight-loss drugs - Experts are talking about President Trump’s deal with pharmaceutical giants as a game changer, but the fine print is still unclear. Washington Post, free access here: https://wapo.st/3WGwP87

This article is timely!

 

[Leslie40]

My doctor just prescribed me a GLP-1. I went to pick it up, and it was almost $1000 AFTER insurance! Unbelievable. I'm going to check with Costco since I heard they have a discount thing going on.

 

[On_Deck]

My doctor just prescribed me a GLP-1. I went to pick it up, and it was almost $1000 AFTER insurance! Unbelievable. I'm going to check with Costco since I heard they have a discount thing going on.

Definitely check other pharmacies and discount programs. Sometimes you can find significant savings.

 

[TrimQuest]

I've heard of people getting compounded versions for way cheaper. Might be worth asking your doc about that, Leslie40.

 

[Sub-Q_Sammy]

I did a cost-benefit analysis. While the medication itself is expensive, I'm actually saving money on groceries now since my appetite is so reduced. It kinda evens out.

 

[Leslie40]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I will explore the compounding option. I'm going to call my insurance company as well to see if the price drops the second month.