Recently, Medicare has taken an important step by expanding coverage of drugs intended for weight loss, with the aim of decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. This includes the inclusion of the anti-obesity drug Wegovy in Medicare drug plans, as long as it is specifically prescribed to reduce such risk.
This decision made by the Medicare system is based on the expansion of Wegovy’s approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to cover cardiovascular benefits. A clinical trial supports the effectiveness of this drug by significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in individuals who are obese or overweight.
Who Could Get Wegovy, Weight Control Drug Just Approved by FDA
The official announcement was made by the agency that oversees the Medicare program on March 21, highlighting that Medicare plans can begin covering anti-obesity drugs, such as Wegovy, as long as they are specifically prescribed to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This move is based on guidance provided by CMS (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), which states that anti-obesity drugs that receive additional FDA approval may be considered for use in Medicare.
This decision comes after years of regulations that prohibited Medicare from covering weight management drugs when their use was limited to weight loss exclusively. However, if a drug like Wegovy receives FDA approval for a medically accepted use, such as treating cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes, it could be included in Medicare prescription drug plans.
To ensure the proper use of Wegovy in reducing cardiovascular risk, Medicare Part D plans may require prior plan approval. In addition, state Medicaid plans are also expected to cover Wegovy to mitigate the risks of cardiovascular disease in people who are obese or overweight, although they may require testing of other drugs or treatments before authorization.
What Is Wegovy, the New Drug Covered by Medicaid
Wegovy is a medicine used for the treatment of obesity in adults. Its active ingredient is semaglutide, which acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, helping to reduce appetite and food intake. This drug is administered by subcutaneous injections and is used in combination with a healthy diet and physical exercise to achieve significant weight loss in people who are obese or overweight.
Wegovy has been shown to be effective in clinical studies in helping patients lose weight and improve their overall health, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other obesity-related problems.
This medication must be always prescribed and supervised by a health professional, as it may have side effects and require periodic monitoring during use. Ask your healthcare provider how to determine if you qualify to start taking Wegovy and how to proceed with the treatment.
