In the final weeks of President Joe Biden’s administration, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has unveiled a proposal to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. This initiative, led by outgoing HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, aims to address the nation’s obesity epidemic and is expected to set up a confrontation with HHS Secretary-designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism of medical interventions.
Becerra emphasized the urgency of tackling obesity, which he called a public health and economic crisis. “[The proposal is] a game changer. It helps us recognize that obesity is with us,” Becerra told The Washington Post. “It’s severe. It’s damaging our country’s health. It’s damaging our economy.” Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, has been shown to promote significant weight loss and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
The rule would make these treatments accessible to older Americans on Medicare and low-income individuals covered by Medicaid. It would also limit the ability of private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans to deny coverage through prior authorization. “We really need to use every tool we’ve got in the toolbox… to try to keep America healthy,” Becerra said.
“We should let science drive us to where we’ll go.” The proposal is set to be entered into the federal register on Tuesday, allowing it to take effect without requiring action from President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. However, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is set to oversee HHS, has publicly criticized weight loss drugs, aligning with his broader skepticism of medical treatments like vaccines.
Kennedy has advocated for alternative health strategies, emphasizing diet and exercise. In October, Kennedy dismissed drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, saying, “They’re counting on selling [Ozempic and Wegovy] to Americans because we’re so stupid and so… addicted to drugs.”
The clash over this proposal highlights a broader debate about how best to address public health challenges. While Becerra’s approach focuses on expanding access to proven medical treatments, Kennedy’s position reflects a preference for preventive lifestyle measures. As the transition of power approaches, the policy on weight loss drugs may become a contentious issue in the evolving landscape of U.S. healthcare.