1What Happened
Starting in July 2026, some Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible for coverage of GLP-1 weight-loss medications through a new CMS demonstration program. Read the Medicare Rights report here.
These are the same class of medications — including drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy — that currently cost over $1,000 per month out of pocket for most patients.
This is one of the most meaningful Medicare benefit expansions in recent memory, and it has the potential to dramatically reduce costs for Medicare recipients managing obesity-related conditions.
2The Detroit Angle
This benefit is not automatic — it depends on being enrolled in the right Medicare plan. This is a strong reminder that Medicare is not a set-it-and-forget-it decision. Benefits change every year.
3Janine's Take
Clients who haven't reviewed their Medicare coverage recently may be on a plan that does not cover this new benefit, or may be overpaying for coverage they no longer need. A Medicare review takes about 30 minutes and could save you thousands of dollars annually.
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