Millions of older Americans in Medicare are about to gain access to obesity drugs for the first time — but that landmark shift may be flying under the radar for many of them.

Starting Wednesday, eligible beneficiaries can get obesity drugs through Medicare’s new Bridge demonstration program for a monthly copay of just $50. The coverage marks a long-sought victory for patients, physicians and obesity advocates who have pushed for broader access to the blockbuster treatments from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which have remained out of reach for many Americans.

But a staggering 82% of all older Americans — including 79% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats — say they are unaware that Medicare is about to begin covering obesity drugs, according to a survey released in early June by the Obesity Care Advocacy Network. The survey, conducted in late March among more than 2,100 adults ages 65 and older, was completed weeks before the government announced it would extend the Bridge program through 2027.

More here

Tagged: Healthcare BACK TO HOMEPAGE